The notorious robbery of reality TV star Kim Kardashian by a group of elderly thieves, now known as the "grandpa robbers," is set to be the focus of a gripping trial in Paris. The 62-year-old Yunice Abbas, who authored a memoir recounting the heist, and several accomplices face charges linked to the audacious crime that took place on October 2, 2016. The thieves, most of whom were born in the 1950s, executed the crime with blunders that ultimately led to their arrests.
The dramatic robbery unfolded while Kardashian was relaxing in her luxury hotel room during Paris Fashion Week, unaware of the chaos that would soon engulf her. Dressed as police officers, the robbers incapacitated the night receptionist and stormed into Kardashian’s suite, demanding her valuables, which totaled around $10 million, including a $4 million engagement ring from rapper Kanye West.
Despite their ages, the robbers’ planning was riddled with errors, such as failing to consider modern police techniques; their casual oversight led to DNA evidence linking them to the crime scene. Witness reports indicate that during their escape, Abbas fell off a bike, leaving a bag of stolen jewelry behind.
The upcoming trial aims not just to address the actions of the perpetrators but also to examine the critical question of how these burglars learned of Kardashian’s whereabouts at the hotel. Allegations have arisen that a transportation provider who had worked with the Kardashians may have leaked information about her trip.
As the trial unfolds, the courtroom is expected to be brimming with media interest, particularly as Kardashian herself is scheduled to testify, marking a significant moment nearly a decade after the traumatic event. This case serves as an intriguing blend of celebrity culture and the criminal underworld, showcasing the stark contrast between Kardashian's global status and the lives of the aging criminals who tried to exploit it.
