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By Gabe Whisnant and Sonam Sheth
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A Paris court on Friday convicted the ringleader and seven others in connection with the high-profile robbery of Kim Kardashian at a swanky Paris hotel nearly a decade ago. Two of the ten defendants were acquitted, while the remaining eight got a range of penalties, though none will go to prison.
The Context
The robbery occurred on the night of October 2, 2016, during Paris Fashion Week.
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Disguised as police officers, the assailants stormed the luxurious Hôtel de Pourtalès, bound Kim Kardashian with zip ties and fled with $9 million worth of jewelry.
The high-profile crime made headlines around the world given Kardashian's celebrity status and the reality TV star has said she has suffered from anxiety and PTSD for years as a result of the attack.
Kardashian and many other celebrities beefed up their personal security details after the robbery and the "Keeping Up With The Kardashians" star has said that she now has 4-6 armed guards at her home when she sleeps at night.
What To Know
Aomar Aït Khedache, 69, identified as the mastermind behind the heist, got the harshest sentence: eight years in prison, with five years suspended. Three other defendants facing the most serious charges were each sentenced to seven years, with five years suspended.
But none of the defendants will go to prison because they already served time in pretrial detention.
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The accused, dubbed "les papys braqueurs," or grandpa robbers, by the French press, appeared in court showing their age—some in orthopedic shoes, one using a cane. Still, prosecutors cautioned against underestimating them.
The group faced serious charges, including armed robbery, kidnapping and gang association.
Wiretaps revealed the ringleader orchestrating the heist—giving orders, recruiting accomplices, and coordinating the sale of the stolen diamonds in Belgium. The only item ever recovered from the robbery was a diamond-encrusted cross, dropped during the gang's escape.
Kardashian gave emotional testimony during the court proceedings at the Palais de Justice, saying, "I absolutely did think I was going to die" when the robbers tied her up and held her at gunpoint.
The billionaire reality tv star's friend and stylist, Simone Harouche, testified that when she saw Kardashian tied up, she was afraid her childhood friend had been raped.
David De Pas, the chief judge, said the defendants' ages—the oldest is 79, while the others are in their 60s and 70s—factored into the decision not to impose tougher sentences that would have resulted in additional prison time.
Still, the judge emphasized that Kardashian, who was not present for the verdict, was traumatized by the robbery, telling the defendants: "You caused harm. You caused fear."
What People Are Saying
Kardashian released a statement after the ruling was announced: "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. 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."
What Happens Next
The defendants expressed remorse for their actions during the court proceedings and Khedache read Kardashian a letter he had written asking for her forgiveness.
"I do appreciate the letter, I forgive you," Kardashian said. "But it doesn't change the feelings and the trauma and the fact that my life was forever changed."
The Associated Press contributed reporting to this story.
Update 5/23/25 3:50 p.m. ET: This story has been updated with additional information and context.
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