Ten people tied to a group nicknamed the “grandpa robbers” went on trial in Paris on Monday over accusations that they plotted and carried out a brazen robbery against Kim Kardashian there nearly a decade ago.
The defendants stood before a criminal court in Paris, accused of involvement in a violent attack on Ms. Kardashian, the reality TV star and entrepreneur. Prosecutors have attributed the crime to a group of grizzled criminals, some of whom are now in their 70s.
Ms. Kardashian, now 44, was gagged, tied up and robbed at gunpoint of jewelry at a luxury residence she had rented during Paris Fashion Week in October 2016. At the time, the jewelry was estimated to be worth at least 8 million euros, or over $9 million.
The overnight robbery of a prominent American celebrity shocked many and raised safety concerns for tourists in Paris, which was still traumatized by a string of terrorist attacks.
Five men dressed as police officers and wearing balaclavas staged the robbery. The thieves burst into her residence and forced the night watchman to guide two of them to Ms. Kardashian’s apartment and to translate.
They tied her up and took valuables and jewels, including a $4 million diamond engagement ring from her then-husband, the rapper formerly known as Kanye West, before leaving on foot and on bicycle. Most of the jewelry was not recovered, although a diamond-encrusted cross was dropped in the street during their escape.
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