Nearly a decade after the shocking $10 million heist, the Parisian gang accused of robbing Kim Kardashian at gunpoint is finally facing trial. The proceedings will uncover the full story of that terrifying night in Kim Kardashian’s Paris in October 2016.
Kim, then 35, was in a luxurious Paris penthouse during Fashion Week when masked, armed robbers stormed in. They bound, gagged, and locked her in the bathroom before stealing her lavish jewelry collection, including a $4 million engagement ring from Kanye West.
Dubbed “Kardashian’s Twelve,” the gang consists of 11 men and one woman. Currently free in Paris and the French Riviera, they await trial on April 28.
The Leader of the Gang and Key Players
At the center of the case is Aomar Aït Khedache, known as “Old Omar.” Now 69, he is the self-confessed leader of the gang. Despite his age and health issues, he openly admits to orchestrating the heist. Another key member is Yunice Abbas, 72, who has even written a book titled I Kidnapped Kim Kardashian. Both men, along with ten others, face charges of armed robbery, kidnapping, and criminal conspiracy. The trial has been delayed for nine years due to high-profile terrorist trials and concerns about Paris’s tourism industry. Many of the defendants are now old and sick, leading to their release from high-security cells while awaiting trial.
How the Heist Was Planned and Executed
The robbery was meticulously planned. Old Omar received a tip about Kim’s visit to Paris during Fashion Week. He learned she was flaunting her wealth on Instagram. The gang decided to carry out a “sausage raid,” a method where they follow a wealthy target home, tie them up, and steal their valuables. On the night of October 3, 2016, at 2:20 a.m., five men approached Kim’s penthouse. They wore black balaclavas and police armbands. They confronted the concierge, Abderrahmane Ouatiki, and forced him to lead them to Kim’s room. Kim Kardashian’s Paris trip turned into a nightmare as she was alone, as her bodyguard had gone out with her sister, Kourtney Kardashian.
The Terrifying Ordeal Inside the Penthouse
Kim heard noises outside her door and called out, but no one answered. Two men burst in, pointing a gun at her head. She tried to call 911, but her phone didn’t work in France. The robbers taped her mouth shut and locked her in the bathroom. They spent 49 minutes in the penthouse, stealing jewelry worth $10 million. As they fled, one robber accidentally dropped a platinum cross adorned with diamonds, which was found the next morning. Kim managed to free herself and alert her stylist, Simone Harouche, who had barricaded herself in another room. Police were called, and Kim gave a statement before flying back to the U.S. on her private jet.
The Investigation and Arrests
The investigation was thorough. Police used DNA, CCTV footage, phone taps, and geolocation to track the gang. They found genetic fingerprints on the ties used to bind Kim and the concierge. Old Omar and Abbas planned and performed the heist in Kim Kardashian’s Paris visit. Police also tracked a Peugeot 508 driven by Old Omar’s son, Harminy Aït Khedache. In January 2017, police raided the homes of all the suspects. They were arrested and placed in custody. Old Omar initially denied involvement but confessed after learning about the DNA evidence.
Kim’s Trauma and Changed Perspective
The robbery left Kim deeply traumatized. She avoided Paris for over a year and told investigators, “I thought I was going to die.” The experience of Kim Kardashian’s time in Paris during the robbery changed her relationship with valuables. She now sees them as a burden rather than a luxury. Kim’s testimony will be crucial in the trial, though it’s unclear if she will return to Paris to testify.
The Upcoming Trial and Its Challenges
The trial is set for April 28 and is expected to last one month. The defendants face serious charges that could result in life sentences. However, given their age and health, some may not live to see the end of the trial. The delays have frustrated investigators, who have worked tirelessly to bring the gang involved in Kim Kardashian’s Paris heist to justice.
Who Are the Kardashian 12?
The 12 defendants include Old Omar, Yunice Abbas, Didier “Blue Eyes” Dubreucq, and Christiane “Cathy” Glotin. Many are career criminals with long histories of drug trafficking and robbery. Old Omar’s son, Harminy Aït Khedache, is also among the accused. The gang’s advanced age and health issues have complicated the case, but the trial will finally bring closure to one of the most infamous heists of the century.
The trial of the Kardashian 12 will reveal the full story of the 2016 heist. For Kim, the robbery happened on Kim Kardashian’s Paris trip and was a life-changing event that left her traumatized. For the defendants, it could mean spending the rest of their lives in prison. As the world watches, justice will finally be served in this high-profile case.
