Kim Kardashian is set to come face-to-face with the accused members of the so-called “grandpa gang” in a Paris courtroom today, nearly nine years after a violent jewel heist that saw her held at gunpoint and robbed of $10 million worth of jewellery.
The reality TV star and entrepreneur was attacked in October 2016 while in Paris for Fashion Week. During the terrifying ordeal, Kardashian was tied up, gagged, and locked in a bathroom as masked thieves stormed her private apartment at a luxury hotel.
Speaking ahead of the trial, her legal team confirmed her intent to be physically present in court, stating: “She is committed to attending the trial in person and to confronting those who attacked her.”
The suspects—dubbed the “grandpa gang” by French media due to their advanced age and various health issues—are mostly in their 60s and 70s. They were arrested following a sweeping investigation into what became one of the most high-profile celebrity crimes in recent memory.
Twelve individuals were initially charged, though only ten—nine men and one woman—are currently standing trial at the Palais de Justice. The proceedings have faced several delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and overlapping legal matters.
Among the ten, two suspects—Yunice Abbas, 72, and Aomar Ait Khedache, 70—have confessed to involvement in the heist. Eight others deny all charges, which include armed robbery, kidnapping, and membership in a criminal gang.
Key individuals on trial include:
- Gary Madar (35) – Accused of acting as an informant, possibly leaking Kardashian’s whereabouts.
- Marc Boyer (78) – Allegedly procured the firearm used in the robbery.
- Marc-Alexandre Boyer (36) – Son of Marc Boyer, accused of direct participation.
- Harminy Ait Khedache (38) – Son of Aomar, allegedly trailed Kardashian’s limousine.
- Didier Dubreucq (69) – Believed to be one of the men who entered Kardashian’s suite and held her at gunpoint.
- Francois Delaporte (61) – Accused of being part of the robbery team.
- Christiane “Cathy” Glotin (78) – The only female defendant, alleged to have helped organise the crime and sold the stolen jewellery in Antwerp.
- Florus Héroui (52) – Allegedly passed information on Kardashian’s movements to the gang.
One of the original suspects, Pierre “Big Pierrot” Bouianere, 72, was deemed unfit for trial due to advanced Alzheimer’s disease. Another, Marceau Baum-Gertner, has since died.
Also present in court is Abderrahmane Ouatiki, the hotel concierge who was also held at gunpoint during the robbery. He testified this week, recounting how he feared for his life during the attack.
The trial marks a major step toward justice in one of the most shocking celebrity crimes of the decade, with Kardashian expected to give powerful testimony about the night that changed her life.
