Grandpa Robbers' Held Kim Kardashian at Gunpoint - But Didn't Know Who She Was

Paris, France – The trial of a group of elderly men, dubbed the "grandpa robbers," has commenced in Paris nearly a decade after they held reality television star Kim Kardashian at gunpoint and absconded with millions of dollars worth of her jewelry. What has emerged in the years following the audacious heist during Paris Fashion Week in October 2016 is the startling revelation that the perpetrators were allegedly unaware of the global celebrity of their victim.
The incident, which made headlines worldwide, saw a group of masked men, some disguised as police officers, storm into Kardashian's private apartment in a discreet building near the Madeleine church. Kardashian, who was alone at the time as her bodyguard accompanied her sister Kourtney to a nightclub, was reportedly bound and gagged before the thieves made off with an estimated $10 million in jewelry, including her $4 million engagement ring from her then-husband, Kanye West.
As the trial unfolds, details of the robbers' alleged ignorance of Kardashian's fame have come to light. Yunice Abbas, one of the accused, who has even penned a book about his involvement in the crime, reportedly told French television that the "big job was to be the last." He claimed he was informed that a large diamond was the target, but not the identity of the "Keeping Up With The Kardashians" star. This assertion underscores a potentially crucial aspect of the case: the motive may have been purely monetary, devoid of any specific targeting of Kardashian due to her celebrity status.
The suspects, many of whom were in their 60s and 70s at the time of the robbery, have been described as recalling "old-school French bandits" from classic films. Their ages and prior criminal records have contributed to the "grandpa robbers" moniker. DNA evidence found on plastic ties used to restrain Kardashian played a significant role in the subsequent arrests of over a dozen individuals.
Ten men are currently on trial, facing charges ranging from armed robbery and kidnapping to complicity and unauthorized possession of weapons. Kim Kardashian, now 44, is expected to travel to Paris in May to personally testify against the accused. Her emotional account of the terrifying ordeal, where she feared for her life, is anticipated to be a key part of the prosecution's case.
The trial is expected to delve into how the robbers obtained information about Kardashian's whereabouts and the timing of her bodyguard's absence. One theory suggests the gang may have received inside information, potentially from someone close to the celebrity. The only piece of jewelry recovered from the heist was a diamond-encrusted cross, which was found on the street as the robbers fled on bicycles.
The long-term psychological impact of the robbery on Kim Kardashian is also expected to be addressed during the trial. She has previously spoken about the trauma she endured and the lasting effects of the violation she experienced. Her testimony will not only be crucial for the legal proceedings but may also offer further insight into the human cost of such a high-profile crime.
As the trial progresses, the world will be watching to see if justice will be served for Kim Kardashian and whether the "grandpa robbers" will be held accountable for their audacious crime, regardless of their alleged lack of awareness of their victim's identity. The outcome of this trial will undoubtedly have implications for future high-profile security and the lengths criminals may go to for valuable gains, even if they are unaware of the fame associated with their target.
Source@BBC