Reality star to testify in high-profile case involving $10M jewelry heist
A decade after the shocking armed robbery of Kim Kardashian during Paris Fashion Week, ten suspects finally faced trial today in a French courtroom. The 2016 incident, which saw thieves steal nearly $10 million in jewelry from the reality star at gunpoint, remains one of France’s most high-profile celebrity crimes.
The Night of Terror
On October 3, 2016, two masked men stormed Kardashian’s private residence at the Hôtel de Pourtalès, tying her up at gunpoint and stealing her diamond engagement ring from Kanye West (valued at $4 million) along with other jewels. The crime lasted just 10 minutes, with the assailants fleeing on bicycles. Only a single diamond necklace was recovered, found dropped on a Paris street.
The Aging Defendants
The accused—mostly men in their 60s and 70s with lengthy criminal histories—include:
- Aomar Ait Khedache, 68 (“Old Omar”): Allegedly the mastermind, though he claims an unnamed sponsor orchestrated the robbery.
- Didier Dubreucq, 69 (“Blue Eyes”): Accused of being the second intruder in Kardashian’s room.
- Yunice Abbas, 71: Reportedly waited in the lobby during the heist and later wrote a book titled “I Kidnapped Kim Kardashian.”
How They Were Caught
DNA evidence led French police to the suspects three months after the crime. However, most of the stolen jewelry was never recovered—investigators believe it was melted down or sold in Belgium.
Kardashian to Testify
Now 44, Kardashian—who left Paris traumatized immediately after the robbery—is scheduled to testify on May 13. The trial will also examine how the robbers tracked her movements, including possible insider tips from associates.
Defense Claims “Overblown” Case
Despite the media frenzy, defense lawyer Margot Pugliese urged the court to focus on facts: “This wasn’t some cinematic heist—it was a crime of opportunity targeting a celebrity who flaunted her wealth online.”
The trial is expected to conclude by May 23.
