It was past midnight in Paris when Kim Kardashian's glamorous world shattered.
Alone in her luxury residence during the 2016 Paris Fashion Week, she was jolted awake by the sound of footsteps. Before she could react, masked men burst into her room, tied her up at gunpoint, and dragged her into the bathroom.
As they stole millions of dollars' worth of jewellery from her, Kardashian feared the worst - that she would be raped, killed, and never see her children again.
Eight and a half years later, the moment Kardashian once called the most terrifying of her life is back in the spotlight. Today (28 April), 10 people - nine men and one woman - will go on trial in Paris, charged with the robbery, abduction, and kidnapping of the reality TV star and the concierge on the night of 2 October 2016.
Kardashian’s lawyers said she will testify in person at the Court of Appeal of Paris, with the trial running through to 23 May.
“Ms. Kardashian is reserving her testimony for the court and jury and does not wish to elaborate further at this time,” they said. “She has great respect and admiration for the French justice system and has been treated with great respect by the French authorities. She wishes the trial to proceed in an orderly fashion, in accordance with French law and with respect for all parties to the case."
In a 2020 appearance on David Letterman’s Netflix show, she tearfully recalled thinking: “This is the time I’m going to get raped. I’m like, ‘What is happening? Are we gonna die? Just tell them I have children. I have babies, I have a husband, I have a family.’ ”
The night Kim Kardashian feared for her life: What happened?
In early October 2016, Kim Kardashian was in Paris for Fashion Week, staying at a discreet luxury residence called the Hôtel de Pourtalès - a private apartment complex nestled on Tronchet Street and popular with celebrities seeking privacy.
She was travelling without heavy security that night; her bodyguard, Pascal Duvier, had gone out with her sisters Kourtney Kardashian and Kendall Jenner to a nightclub.
Inside her apartment, Kim was relaxing alone, after sharing photos of her jewellery - including a $4 million (€3.5m) diamond engagement ring from her then husband Kanye West - on social media earlier that day.
Around 2:30 AM, five armed men, all over the age of 60 and wearing ski masks, forced their way inside. They held the building's concierge at gunpoint and made him lead them to Kardashian’s door. He later told police they shouted at him, demanding: "Where's the rapper's wife?"
The robbers stormed into her bedroom, tied her up with zip ties and duct tape, and placed her in the bathroom bathtub.
The gang stole millions of dollars’ worth of jewellery - including her engagement ring, two diamond Cartier bracelets, diamond earrings by Lauren Schwartz and a yellow gold Rolex watch, then fled by bicycle and on foot. To this day, only one piece - a diamond cross on platinum, dropped during the getaway - has been recovered.
After they left, Kardashian managed to free herself and alert her friend and security. After meeting with detectives, she flew back to the US on a private jet and quickly replaced her entire security team.
Who are the 'Grandpa Robbers'?
The French media have dubbed the suspects of the theft the "Grandpa Robbers" because of their ages and long criminal histories, including careers in bank heists.
Among them is 68-year-old Aomar Aït Khedache, known as "Old Omar," the alleged ringleader. DNA matching his genetic profile was found on the duct tape used to gag Kardashian. After fleeing the scene on a bicycle, Khedache reportedly met up with his son, who was waiting for him in a nearby car.
Didier Dubreucq, 69, known as “Blue Eyes,” is the second alleged robber suspected of entering the flat. He denies any involvement although he was filmed by CCTV cameras and numerous telephone contacts with the other co-defendants show his involvement, according to the investigation.
Yunice Abbas, 71, said he acted as a lookout in the ground floor reception area, making sure the escape route was clear. He said he was unarmed and did not personally threaten Kardashian, but admitted he shared responsibility for the crime.
“I will apologise,” Abbas told The Associated Press. “I mean it sincerely.” He was arrested in January 2017 and spent 21 months in prison before being released under judicial supervision. In 2021, he co-authored a French-language book titled “I Sequestered Kim Kardashian.”
He said he will detail his role during the trial, which will be conducted with a jury, a procedure in France reserved for the most serious crimes – yet he would not denounce his accomplices.
“I’m only an outsider. I’m not the one who masterminded the case. I take my share of responsibility,” he said.
Others on trial are charged with being facilitators and informants, including Gary Madar, the brother of Kardashian’s longtime Paris driver. He is accused of providing details about her movements, which he denies.
If convicted, those charged with the more serious crimes could face sentences ranging from 10 years to life in prison.
