Nearly a decade after one of the most high-profile celebrity robberies in modern history, a group of elderly suspects known as the “Grandpa Robbers” are now standing trial in Paris. The accused are charged with carrying out the dramatic 2016 theft of Kim Kardashian’s multimillion-dollar jewelry haul—a crime the French media dubbed “the heist of the century.”
Ten men, most of them in their 60s and 70s, are accused of storming Kardashian’s luxury residence during Paris Fashion Week. Among the valuables stolen were several diamond pieces, including an engagement ring from Kanye West, which alone was worth an estimated $4 million.
The trial, which began in late April 2025, marks a major milestone in a case that captivated global attention. Kardashian, now 44, is expected to testify in person on May 13. The final verdict is slated for May 23.
A Carefully Planned Robbery
The robbery took place during the night of October 2, 2016, when several men—some dressed as police officers—entered the private hotel where Kardashian was staying. The star had returned from a fashion show around midnight and was alone without her bodyguard, who had accompanied her sister Kourtney to a nightclub.
Two armed men reportedly threatened Kardashian at gunpoint, tied her up, gagged her, and locked her in the bathroom. While three others stood guard, the intruders made off with an estimated €10 million ($11.4 million) worth of jewelry. The entire incident lasted roughly 10 minutes.
Investigators say Kardashian’s active presence on social media helped the gang monitor her movements and target her for the robbery. In particular, the high-value diamond ring she frequently flaunted online became a focal point for the group.
Elderly Gang Sought a “Last Score”
The suspects include Aomar Ait Khedache, 68, also known as “Old Omar,” who admitted his involvement but denied being the mastermind. Another man, 71-year-old Yunice Abbas, published a tell-all book in 2021 titled “I Kidnapped Kim Kardashian”—even though he claims to have never entered Kardashian’s room and was merely on lookout duty.
Despite their age, many of the suspects were no strangers to the criminal underworld. Prosecutors say the robbery was a planned “comeback” for the gang, most of whom had faded from the spotlight in recent decades. Several even used bicycles to flee the scene, one of whom—Abbas—accidentally dropped a €30,000 diamond cross, which was later recovered by a passerby.
One suspect, Pierre Bouianere, now 80, was declared medically unfit to stand trial and will be tried separately. Another has died since being charged.
The suspects were identified using DNA evidence found at the scene and on dropped items. Still, most of the stolen jewelry has never been recovered and is believed to have been sold in Belgium.
A Harrowing Experience with Lasting Impact
Kardashian’s legal team confirmed she will appear in person to give testimony. The star has spoken in the past about how the robbery left her traumatized and prompted her to change how she shares details of her life online.
“I genuinely thought they were going to shoot me,” she said in a 2017 interview. “It changed everything about how I live.”
In the years since the robbery, Kardashian has taken steps to reduce the visibility of her wealth on social media, often waiting to post until after events have passed or omitting details that could reveal her location.
An Unusual but Serious Case
What makes this case particularly unusual is the age of the suspects. While elderly defendants are not unheard of, it’s rare to see a group of pensioners charged with such a high-stakes and well-executed armed robbery. Still, given the seriousness of the charges—including kidnapping, armed robbery, and participation in a criminal gang—the men could face long prison terms if convicted.
As the trial unfolds, the world watches to see if justice will finally be served for a robbery that not only shocked Hollywood but also exposed the risks of oversharing in the digital age.