Eight people who found guilty of crimes including robbery in an organized gang, kidnapping, acquisition and possession of weapons, aggravated theft, complicity in preparation of a criminal act, sequestration and assisting an armed gang on Friday in Paris, concluding a high-profile trial recounting the armed robbery of Kim Kardashian. Kardashian was tied up and robbed of upwards of $6 million in jewelry in her Paris rental apartment in 2016.
Aomar Aït Khedache, the alleged ringleader of the gang — who were nicknamed “Grandpa robbers,” as most of them are older than 60 — was sentenced to eight years in prison, five of which were suspended, per CNN. Seven co-defendants were also found guilty and received prison sentences on various counts, though all of them will walk due to time already served. Two defendants were acquitted on charges of complicity, though one was ordered to pay 5,000 euros to Kardashian and the concierge of her apartment building.
“The sentences are quite lenient; they were thought of a long way away from this serious event, which impacted the civil parties,” said the case’s presiding judge David De Pas after announcing the verdict. “You have caused harm, even if you did not strike, if blood has not been shed, you have caused fear.”
“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 said in a statement after the verdict was announced. “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.”
Kardashian appeared in court on May 13, giving an emotional testimony recounting how the gang had taped her mouth shut and zip-tied her hands.
“I was certain that was the moment that he was going to rape me. … I absolutely did think I was going to die,” Kardashian testified. “I thought it was some sort of terrorist attack.”
Kardashian’s legal team of Michael Rhodes, Léonor Hennerick and Jonathan Mattout also issued a statement: “Kim appreciates the Court’s decision and once again thanks the French authorities for treating her with great respect throughout the process. 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.”
