Latest news with #ParisRobbery
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.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Yahoo
The crime was the most terrifying experience of my life: Kim Kardashian has issued a statement after Paris verdict
Kim Kardashian 'will never forget what happened' to her during the Paris robbery and has thanked the French authorities for "pursuing justice".
News.com.au
23-05-2025
- News.com.au
Kardashian 'grateful' after Paris robbers convicted
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 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 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. mdh-sjw/phz
Fox News
23-05-2025
- Fox News
Kim Kardashian's Paris robbery case ends with guilty verdict for eight defendants
The ringleader and seven other robbers, who were involved in stealing $6 million worth of jewelry from Kim Kardashian in her Paris hotel room on Oct. 3, 2016, have been found guilty. "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," Kardashian shared in a statement with Fox News Digital. "While I'll never forget what happened, I believe in the power of growth and accountability and pray for healing for all. I remain committed to advocating for justice, and promoting a fair legal system." On Friday, a court in the French capital acquitted two of the 10 defendants. The sentences read out by the court president ranged from prison terms to fines. Aomar Aït Khedache, 69, the ringleader, was sentenced to eight years of imprisonment. Five of those years were suspended. Three others who were accused on the most serious charges got seven years. Five of those years were suspended. With time already served in pretrial detention, none of those found guilty will go to prison. The trial was heard by a three-judge panel and six jurors. Chief Judge David De Pas ruled that the ages of the defendants — the oldest is 79 and some others are in their 60s and 70s — weighed in the court's decision not to impose harsher sentences that would have sent them to jail. He said the nine years between the robbery and the trial were also taken into account in the sentencing. "Kim appreciates the Court's decision and once again thanks the French authorities for treating her with great respect throughout the process," Kardashian's legal team shared in a statement with Fox News Digital. "It has been a long journey from that terrible night back in 2016 to her standing courageously in a historic Paris courtroom to confront these criminals. She 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." Nine men and one woman were involved in the crime during Paris Fashion Week. The robbers, dressed as police, forced their way into the glamorous Hôtel de Pourtalès, bound Kardashian with zip ties, placed her in the bathtub and escaped with her jewelry. Her $4 million engagement ring, from her then-husband Kanye West, was among the items stolen. The ten criminals involved delivered their final statements in court before the verdict was reached. Among them was the ringleader Khedache, who arrived in court walking with a stick and his face hidden from cameras. Prosecutors had asked for a 10-year sentence. His DNA, found on the bands used to bind Kardashian, 44, was a key breakthrough that helped crack open the case. Wiretaps captured him giving orders, recruiting accomplices and arranging to sell the diamonds in Belgium. A diamond-encrusted cross, dropped during the escape, was the only piece of jewelry ever recovered. Khedache argued he was only a foot soldier in the high-profiled case. He blamed a mysterious "X" or "Ben" — someone prosecutors say never existed. His lawyer pleaded for clemency, as he pointed to Kardashian's encounter with his client in court. "She looked at him when she came, she listened to the letter he had written to her, and then she forgave him," lawyer Franck Berton told The Associated Press. Although Kardashian wasn't present in court on Friday, the SKIMS founder had locked eyes with Khedache during her testimony on Tuesday, as the letter was read aloud. "I do appreciate the letter, I forgive you," she said. "But it doesn't change the feelings and the trauma and the fact that my life was forever changed." On Friday, Khedache asked for "a thousand pardons," communicated via a written note in court. Other defendants also used their final words to express remorse. As "The Kardashians" star sat on the witness stand earlier this week, she said the robbery marked what she thought would be the last day of her life. "I was certain that was the moment that he was going to rape me," she said during her testimony. "I absolutely did think I was going to die." Kardashian, who thanked the French authorities for "allowing me to share my truth," told the court she recalled screaming to the robbers at the time of the intrusion, "I have babies." "[Kim] has tremendous appreciation and admiration for the French judicial system and has been treated with great respect by the French authorities," Kardashian's attorney, Michael Rhodes, said in a statement to Fox News Digital ahead of the trial. "She wishes for the trial to proceed in an orderly fashion in accordance with French law and with respect for all parties to the case." The mom of four, who was accompanied by her mom Kris Jenner on Tuesday, testified against a group known as the "grandpa robbers" due to their age. More than 17 people were arrested as suspects in connection to the case after investigators found trace amounts of DNA on plastic bands tied around Kardashian's wrists. The case was finally ordered to go to trial in 2021 with 12 people charged. Kardashian didn't return to Paris for nearly two years after the attack.
The Sun
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Kim Kardashian's jaw-dropping security bill for Paris trip revealed after she shows off $7m diamonds for robbery trial
KIM Kardashian spared no expense for presidential-style security during her Paris robbery testimony, The U.S. Sun has learned. Kim, 44, has been in the French capital this week to testify about when she was robbed at gunpoint in her hotel in 2016. 4 4 Kim turned heads as she arrived at court wearing dazzling $7 million worth of diamonds to discuss the incident, during which a $4 million diamond ring and other expensive jewelry were stolen by a local gang. However, ensuring her safety in Paris has led to exorbitant costs, typically associated with heads of state or presidential figures visiting the city. RING OF STEEL A source from the French Department of Interior Security told The U.S. Sun that more than 120 police officers were added to the security detail, which eventually totaled 250 personnel. This included security experts and special units deployed in the surrounding area to ensure maximum safety. A staffer at the French Department of Justice claimed the taxpayer would foot the more than $1 million bill but emphasized that all measures were "110% necessary" given her status as a global superstar. "I think the cost is insane," he said, "but that is what was requested and required. Kim Kardashian is arguably a top-10 international celebrity who attracts a significant amount of attention." The special unit teams, according to the Department of Interior Security source, are typically only deployed on "very special" occasions and are limited in number. Members of the secret service were also stationed nearby, along with an additional 20 personnel escorting Kim and her entourage to and from the Palais de Justice courthouse. "There was as much attention on Kardashian as there has been on visiting presidents," added the source. "With the involvement of a criminal gang in the trial, this wasn't a minor event." TRAUMATIC TIME Kim was visibly emotional as she relived her worst nightmare in Paris — nearly a decade after armed robbers tied her up, gagged her, and made off with an astonishing multi-million-dollar haul. The star, now a mother of four, faced ten suspects accused of the terrifying 2016 hotel heist, during which masked thugs broke into her private suite and stole a collection of jewels — including her $4 million engagement ring from then-husband Kanye West. Dressed to impress in a sharp black blazer, floor-length skirt, and dripping in diamonds, Kim made a dramatic entrance at the Palais de Justice, flanked by four burly security guards and her ever-glamorous mother, Kris Jenner, 69. Fans and paparazzi swarmed the courthouse steps as Kim strode in, wearing a replica of the 18.88-carat sparkler that experts believe will never be recovered. Inside, the SKIMS mogul spent over four hours giving chilling testimony — coming face-to-face with the alleged gang, two of whom have already confessed. In harrowing detail, Kim described fearing the worst when the robbers posed as police officers and broke into her suite. 'The robe opened, and I was completely exposed. I thought, 'This is it — I'm going to be raped,'' she told the court. 'I said a prayer. I was convinced I was going to die.' The high-profile trial had been delayed for years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a backlog of terror cases clogging the French courts. However, Kim wasn't going to miss her chance to speak out, with a detailed and gargantuan security plan ensuring everyone's safety. "What happened wasn't a good image for France," said the member of the French Department of Justice. "It was vital that the authorities showed their A-game when the Kardashians were in town." Lawyer Jerry Kroll, who represented bodyguard Pascal Duvier, feels the so-called Grandpa Robbers may not get a hefty sentence because of their age. 'The question is whether the French justice system will impose harsh sentences or take into account their age and the time they've already served,' Kroll told The U.S. Sun. 'Will they really give life sentences to men in their 80s?' The trial is expected to conclude on May 23.
