The much-anticipated trial concerning the robbery of reality star Kim Kardashian has officially commenced in Paris. This incident occurred on the night of October 2, 2016, when armed assailants broke into her residence, resulting in a theft of jewelry valued at an estimated $10 million.

Charges and Accused

A total of ten individuals, including nine men and one woman, are currently facing charges related to robbery and kidnapping. Two of the defendants have confessed their involvement, while the others contest these allegations. The trial seeks to unravel the sequence of events involving Kardashian and the concierge who was also present during the incident.

The Heist Details

Kardashian, who was in France for Fashion Week, has recounted the traumatic events during which she was tied up with zip ties and duct tape while held at gunpoint. One of the stolen items included a diamond ring worth $4 million, a gift from her then-husband Kanye West. In a poignant moment on her reality show, she described the intense fear she felt during the ordeal.

“They dragged me out to the hallway on top of the stairs, that’s when I saw the gun like clear as day,” Kardashian reflected on “Keeping Up with the Kardashians.” “It makes me so upset thinking about it.”

Testimony and Legal Proceedings

Kardashian is expected to testify in person at the trial, with a provisional schedule indicating her appearance on May 13. Her legal representatives emphasized her respect for the French judicial system, expressing hope for a fair and orderly procedure.

The “Granddad Robbers”

The group involved in the heist has been dubbed “The Granddad Robbers” by French media, due to the advanced age of many of the defendants, most of whom are in their 60s and 70s and have histories of criminal activity. Notably, Aomar Ait Khedache, 69, is believed to be the mastermind behind the operation.

Khedache claimed to be unfamiliar with Kardashian’s identity until he learned about the valuable jewelry she showcased during her outings in Paris. He and another defendant, Yunice Abbas, 77, have admitted to varying degrees of involvement in the crime.

Robbery Aftermath and Recovery Efforts

In the immediate aftermath, the robbers fled on bicycles, and although only one piece of jewelry has been recovered—a diamond cross—the investigation continues. Some defendants are alleged to have arranged for the resale of other stolen items in Antwerp, Belgium.

Concerns Over Celebrity Influence

The presence of Kardashian’s celebrity status has raised concerns among the defendants’ attorneys, who worry that it could overshadow the trial’s critical elements. They advocate for the case to be handled with the same gravity as any other, emphasizing their clients’ acceptance of responsibility.