Latest news with #AomarAitKhedache
Kuwait Times
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Kuwait Times
Paris court convicts thieves who robbed Kim Kardashian
PARIS: This court sketch made on May 13, 2025 in Paris shows US celebrity Kim Kardashian (center), next to co-accused Aomar Ait Khedache, testifying before the court. — AFP PARIS: A French court on Friday convicted the jewel thieves who in 2016 tied up US reality TV star Kim Kardashian at gun point before making off with her $4 million engagement ring and other booty. Ten people were in the dock, accused of involvement in the Paris heist. Robbers wearing ski masks and disguised as police tied up the billionaire celebrity before making off with the ring, given to her by her then-husband, rapper Kanye West (now known as Ye), and other jewels. Kardashian travelled to Paris to testify earlier this month, telling the court she had thought she was going to die. The mixed panel of judges and jury convicted eight of the 10 for crimes directly linked to the theft, while another defendant was found guilty of illegal weapons charges. One person was acquitted. The heaviest sentences were handed down to five defendants who participated directly in the heist, with the mastermind of the robbery, 69-year-old Aomar Ait Khedache, getting a three-year jail sentence. Kardashian's lawyers said that she accepted the court's ruling. 'I am deeply grateful to the French authorities for pursuing justice in this case. The crime was the most terrifying experience of my life, leaving a lasting impact on me and my family,' she said in a statement. 'While I'll never forget what happened, I believe in the power of growth and accountability and pray for healing for all.' During her court appearance, she said she forgave Khedache, who had asked for forgiveness in a letter. The thieves were dubbed the 'grandpa robbers' by the press as many were of or near retirement age. At the time, the robbery was considered the biggest in France for more than 20 years. — Reuters
Express Tribune
24-05-2025
- Express Tribune
Kim grateful for robbers' conviction
Kardashian said she looks forward to putting the episode behind her. Photo: File A French court on Friday convicted a gang of robbers who stole $10 million in jewellery from reality TV star Kim Kardashian in a Paris hotel in 2016, although they will not return to jail and the verdicts were more lenient than requested by the prosecution, reported AFP. Describing the heist as "the most terrifying experience of my life", Kardashian swiftly expressed her gratitude to the French authorities for pursuing "justice" in the case. Nine men and one woman have been on trial since April and prosecutors sought the toughest jail terms – 10 years – for the four men accused of carrying out the robbery. Aomar Ait Khedache, 69, the ringleader, was handed the heaviest sentence of three years in prison plus five years suspended, but due to time served in jail will not return to detention, like all the others convicted. Two other suspects accused of handing information about the American superstar's whereabouts were acquitted. All the sentences were substantially lower than the terms demanded by the prosecution. Kardashian, then 35, was robbed while staying at an exclusive hotel in the French capital on the night of October 2-3, 2016. She was threatened with a gun to the head and tied up, with her mouth taped. Kardashian said after the verdict that she was "deeply grateful to the French authorities for pursuing justice". "The crime was the most terrifying experience of my life, leaving a lasting impact on me and my family," she said in a statement sent by her lawyers. "While I'll never forget what happened, I believe in the power of growth and accountability and pray for healing for all," she added. 'I am very sorry' After the hearing adjourned, the convicted men embraced their loved ones in relief and slowly left the courtroom, taking with them the bags and suitcases they had prepared in case of imprisonment. "The sentences are quite lenient; I understand that you understand that you have caused harm," presiding judge David De Pas told them as he read out the verdicts. He also said "the state of health of the main protagonists ethically prohibits incarcerating anyone. It would have been unjust to take you to prison this evening." Aomar Ait Khedache had begged to be forgiven in his final statement ahead of sentencing. Khedache is now virtually mute and completely deaf, and his statement was read out by his lawyer. "I ask for forgiveness. I can't find the words. I am very sorry," he wrote, asking for "a thousand pardons" from his son Harminy, who was convicted for acting as a driver on the night of the heist. Two other men convicted of carrying out the robbery on the night, Yunice Abbas, 71, and Didier Dubreucq, 69, were sentenced to seven years jail including five suspended. Dubreucq was absent as he is undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer. The fourth member of the robbery gang, Marc-Alexandre Boyer, at 35 the only youngster, was given the same sentence. Kardashian's lawyers said in a statement that the star "looks forward to putting this tragic episode behind her, as she continues working to improve the criminal justice system on behalf of victims, the innocent, and the incarcerated seeking to redeem themselves". 'Grandpa robbers' Most of the stolen valuables were never recovered, including a diamond ring given to Kardashian by her then-husband, rapper Kanye West. The ring alone was valued at 3.5 million euros ($3.9 million). The robbery was the biggest against a private individual in France in 20 years. Most of the accused are now in their 60s and 70s and have been dubbed the "Grandpa robbers" by French media. But making the sentencing demands earlier this week, the prosecutor urged the judges and jury to remember that Kardashian was targeted by a violent attack and not to be taken in by the "wrinkles" of the defendants. The American star testified at the trial, wearing a diamond necklace valued at $3 million, according to its New York-based creator Samer Halimeh. During the trial, Kardashian told the court she forgave Khedache after hearing a letter of apology from him. "I forgive you for what has taken place but it does not change the emotion, the feelings, the trauma and the way my life changed," she told Khedache, adding that she believed in a "second chance". Kardashian, sometimes described as "famous for being famous", became well known in the early 2000s through TV reality shows, before launching fashion brands and appearing in films.
Al Bawaba
24-05-2025
- Al Bawaba
Kim Kardashian 's $4M ring heist ends in verdict — but one walks free
ALBAWABA - Justice served years later — Kim Kardashian 's robbers finally convicted. A French court handed down a conviction on Friday for the jewel thieves who, in 2016, held the American reality TV star Kim Kardashian at gunpoint and then stole her engagement ring, which was worth $4 million, along with other items of her personal property. There were ten individuals detained on suspicion of involvement in the theft that occurred in Paris. The millionaire celebrity was tied up by thieves disguising themselves as law enforcement officers and wearing ski masks. They then stole the ring, which had been presented to her by her ex-husband, the rapper Kanye West, who is now known as Ye, along with other jewelry. Kardashian went to Paris to testify earlier this month, during which she revealed to the judge that she had been under the impression that she was going to pass away. (FILES) US celebrity Kim Kardashian (L) leaves with her mother Kris Jenner (R) (Photo by LEO VIGNAL / AFP) An additional defendant was found guilty of unlawful weapons charges, while eight of the ten defendants were found guilty of crimes directly related to the theft by the panel of judges and jurors that was comprised of both male and female members. One individual was found not guilty. Aomar Ait Khedache, who is 69 years old and was the mastermind behind the robbery, received a sentence of three years in prison. The penalties that were handed out were the harshest possible punishments for the five offenders who participated directly in the fraud. TOPSHOT - US celebrity Kim Kardashian (C) (Photo by Alain JOCARD / AFP) The judicial decision was accepted by Kardashian, according to her legal representatives. My sincere appreciation goes out to the French authorities for their efforts to bring about justice in this matter. According to a statement that she released, "The crime was the most terrifying experience of my life, leaving an impact that will last for the rest of my life and for my family." "While I'll never forget what happened, I believe in the power of growth and accountability and pray for healing for all." During her court appearance, she stated that she had the ability to forgive Khedache, who had sent a letter requesting forgiveness.
News24
24-05-2025
- News24
Kim Kardashian ‘grateful' after Paris robbers convicted
Kim Kardashian has expressed her gratitude to the French authorities after the conviction of a gang that stole $10 million in jewellery from her during a robbery in Paris in 2016. The convicted 'Grandpa robbers' got light sentences and avoided more jail time, despite calls for harsher punishments. Most of the stolen jewellery, including a $3.9 million diamond ring, has not been found. A French court on Friday convicted a gang of robbers who stole $10 million in jewellery from reality TV star Kim Kardashian in a Paris hotel in 2016, although they will not return to jail, and the verdicts were more lenient than requested by the prosecution. Describing the heist as 'the most terrifying experience of my life', Kardashian swiftly expressed her gratitude to the French authorities for pursuing 'justice' in the case. Nine men and one woman have been on trial since April, and prosecutors sought the toughest jail terms - 10 years - for the four men accused of carrying out the robbery. Aomar Ait Khedache, 69, the ringleader, was handed the heaviest sentence of three years in prison plus five years suspended, but due to time served in jail, will not return to detention, like all the others convicted. Two other suspects accused of handing information about the American superstar's whereabouts were acquitted. All the sentences were substantially lower than the terms demanded by the prosecution. Kardashian, then 35, was robbed while staying at an exclusive hotel in the French capital on the night of 2-3 October 2016. She was threatened with a gun to the head and tied up, with her mouth taped. Kardashian said after the verdict that she was 'deeply grateful to the French authorities for pursuing justice'. 'The crime was the most terrifying experience of my life, leaving a lasting impact on me and my family,' she said in a statement sent by her lawyers. 'While I'll never forget what happened, I believe in the power of growth and accountability and pray for healing for all,' she added. 'I am very sorry' After the hearing adjourned, the convicted men embraced their loved ones in relief and slowly left the courtroom, taking with them the bags and suitcases they had prepared in case of imprisonment. 'The sentences are quite lenient; I understand that you understand that you have caused harm,' presiding judge David De Pas told them as he read out the verdicts. He also said, 'The state of health of the main protagonists ethically prohibits incarcerating anyone. It would have been unjust to take you to prison this evening.' Aomar Ait Khedache had begged to be forgiven in his final statement ahead of sentencing. Khedache is now virtually mute and completely deaf, and his statement was read out by his lawyer. 'I ask for forgiveness. I can't find the words. I am very sorry,' he wrote, asking for 'a thousand pardons' from his son Harminy, who was convicted for acting as a driver on the night of the heist. Two other men convicted of carrying out the robbery on the night, Yunice Abbas, 71, and Didier Dubreucq, 69, were sentenced to seven years in jail, including five suspended. Dubreucq was absent as he is undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer. The fourth member of the robbery gang, Marc-Alexandre Boyer, at 35, the only youngster, was given the same sentence. Kardashian's lawyers said in a statement that the star 'looks forward to putting this tragic episode behind her as she continues working to improve the criminal justice system on behalf of victims, the innocent, and the incarcerated seeking to redeem themselves'. 'Grandpa robbers' Most of the stolen valuables were never recovered, including a diamond ring given to Kardashian by her then-husband, rapper Kanye West. The ring alone was valued at 3.5 million euros ($3.9 million). The robbery was the biggest against a private individual in France in 20 years. Most of the accused are now in their 60s and 70s and have been dubbed the 'Grandpa robbers' by French media. But making the sentencing demands earlier this week, the prosecutor urged the judges and jury to remember that Kardashian was targeted by a violent attack and not to be taken in by the 'wrinkles' of the defendants. AFP The American star testified at the trial, wearing a diamond necklace valued at $3 million, according to its New York-based creator, Samer Halimeh. During the trial, Kardashian told the court she forgave Khedache after hearing a letter of apology from him. 'I forgive you for what has taken place, but it does not change the emotion, the feelings, the trauma and the way my life changed,' she told Khedache, adding that she believed in a 'second chance'. Kardashian, sometimes described as 'famous for being famous', became well known in the early 2000s through TV reality shows before launching fashion brands and appearing in films.
GMA Network
24-05-2025
- GMA Network
Kim Kardashian 'grateful' after Paris robbers get convicted
A French court on Friday convicted a gang of robbers who stole $10 million in jewelry from reality TV star Kim Kardashian in a Paris hotel in 2016, although they will not return to jail and the verdicts were more lenient than requested by the prosecution. Describing the heist as "the most terrifying experience of my life", Kardashian swiftly expressed her gratitude to the French authorities for pursuing "justice" in the case. Nine men and one woman have been on trial since April and prosecutors sought the toughest jail terms — 10 years — for the four men accused of carrying out the robbery. Aomar Ait Khedache, 69, the ringleader, was handed the heaviest sentence of three years in prison plus five years suspended, but due to time served in jail will not return to detention, like all the others convicted. Two other suspects accused of handing information about the American superstar's whereabouts were acquitted. All the sentences were substantially lower than the terms demanded by the prosecution. Kardashian, then 35, was robbed while staying at an exclusive hotel in the French capital on the night of October 2-3, 2016. She was threatened with a gun to the head and tied up, with her mouth taped. Kardashian said after the verdict she was "deeply grateful to the French authorities for pursuing justice". "The crime was the most terrifying experience of my life, leaving a lasting impact on me and my family," she said in a statement sent by her lawyers. "While I'll never forget what happened, I believe in the power of growth and accountability and pray for healing for all," she added. 'I am very sorry' After the hearing adjourned, the convicted men embraced their loved ones in relief and slowly left the courtroom, taking with them the bags and suitcases they had prepared in case of imprisonment. "The sentences are quite lenient; I understand that you understand that you have caused harm," presiding judge David De Pas told them as he read out the verdicts. He also said "the state of health of the main protagonists ethically prohibits incarcerating anyone. It would have been unjust to take you to prison this evening." Aomar Ait Khedache had begged to be forgiven in his final statement ahead of sentencing. Khedache is now virtually mute and completely deaf, and his statement was read out by his lawyer. "I ask for forgiveness. I can't find the words. I am very sorry," he wrote, asking for "a thousand pardons" from his son Harminy, who was convicted for acting as a driver on the night of the heist. Two other men convicted of carrying out the robbery on the night, Yunice Abbas, 71, and Didier Dubreucq, 69, were sentenced to seven years jail including five suspended. Dubreucq was absent as he is undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer. The fourth member of the robbery gang, Marc-Alexandre Boyer, at 35 the only youngster, was given the same sentence. Kardashian's lawyers said in a statement that the star "looks forward to putting this tragic episode behind her, as she continues working to improve the criminal justice system on behalf of victims, the innocent, and the incarcerated seeking to redeem themselves". 'Grandpa robbers' Most of the stolen valuables were never recovered, including a diamond ring given to Kardashian by her then-husband, rapper Kanye West. The ring alone was valued at 3.5 million euros ($3.9 million). The robbery was the biggest against a private individual in France in 20 years. Most of the accused are now in their 60s and 70s and have been dubbed the "Grandpa robbers" by French media. But making the sentencing demands earlier this week, the prosecutor urged the judges and jury to remember that Kardashian was targeted by a violent attack and not to be taken in by the "wrinkles" of the defendants. The American star testified at the trial, wearing a diamond necklace valued at $3 million, according to its New York-based creator Samer Halimeh. During the trial, Kardashian told the court she forgave Khedache after hearing a letter of apology from him. "I forgive you for what has taken place but it does not change the emotion, the feelings, the trauma and the way my life changed," she told Khedache, adding that she believed in a "second chance". Kardashian, sometimes described as "famous for being famous", became well known in the early 2000s through TV reality shows, before launching fashion brands and appearing in films. —Agence France-Presse
