It’s been nine years since Kim Kardashian went through that terrifying Paris robbery, and the French court is finally handing out some justice. Back in 2016, during Paris Fashion Week, Kim was tied up, held at gunpoint, and robbed of millions in jewelry by a group of offenders, dubbed the “grandpa criminals.” Now, eight of the ten suspects have been convicted. Let’s break down the update!
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Judge Gives Verdict In Kim K’s Jewelry Heist
On Friday, May 23, a Paris court handed down guilty verdicts for eight of the ten defendants in Kim’s $10 million jewelry heist. Aomar Aït Khedache, the alleged mastermind, received the heaviest sentence, eight years, five of which were suspended, per The Independent.
His son, Harminy Aït Khedache, who was deemed the getaway driver, was hit with a five-year sentence, four suspended. Yunice Abbas, Didier Dubreucq, and Marc-Alexandre Boyer each received seven years, five suspended. And Christiane ‘Cathy’ Glotin, the only woman involved in the heist, walked away with a four-year suspended sentence.
Meanwhile, Francis Delaporte was sentenced to three years of suspension, per The Sun. Marc Boyer received a fine of $5,700 for illegal weapons charges stemming from the gun used in the heist. Two defendants, Gary Madar and Florus Héroui, were acquitted, while Marceau Baum-Gertner, who served time in pretrial detention, died March 6.
Kim Kardashian Speaks Out: “The Most Terrifying Experience of My Life”
Shortly after the verdict, Kim K released a statement to PEOPLE. She expressed her gratitude to the French authorities for pursuing justice, adding, “The crime was the most terrifying experience of my life, leaving a lasting impact on me and my family.” The mom of four said she’s still healing but believes in growth and accountability. Furthermore, she was praying for everyone involved to find peace.
Kim’s legal team also shared a few words with Fox News Digital. They mentioned how the Skims founder has come a long way since the ordeal and credited her bravery for going to court and facing the criminals once again.
“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,” they added.
Kim Testified, Fearing She’d Be Killed During The Heist
While giving her testimony in court earlier this month, Kim recounted the events that took place in October 2016. She recalled thinking she would be “shot dead” or raped. This thought came to mind when one of the robbers pulled her toward him while she was wearing nothing but a bathrobe.
“I was certain that was the moment he was going to rape me. I absolutely did think I was going to die,” Kim is quoted as telling the jury, per the Daily Mail. When an apology letter from defendant Aomar was read in court, Kim showed grace. “I forgive you,” she responded. But she did emphasize that this did not erase her trauma.
Additionally, Kim expressed frustration at the nickname “grandpa robbers” that has been widely spread in the media. According to The Washington Post, she noted that the robbers “were obviously a lot younger and stronger” at the time of the heist.
Kim explained that the robbery “changed everything” for her and her family regarding security and travel. She developed a phobia of going out, so much so that she no longer stores jewelry at home. She also testified that she now has up to six security guards watching over her house. “I can’t even sleep at night [without them],” she said.
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