Paris: A group of men dubbed the “grandpa gang” were among 10 suspects who went on trial on Monday on charges of robbing reality TV star Kim Kardashian at gunpoint and stealing jewellery worth millions of dollars during Paris Fashion Week in 2016.
The accused spoke one after the other in the central Paris courtroom to confirm their identity and occupation, with many of them, now in their late sixties or seventies, saying they were retired.
Kim Kardashian’s ring was taken at gunpoint.Credit: AP
One of the defendants, Yunice Abbas, 71, has told French media that he and others who took part in the robbery did not know who Kardashian was.
“It’s not her, it’s her diamond we targeted,” Abbas told C8 TV a few years ago. Abbas has admitted his participation in the robbery, writing a book about his role. In interviews with French media, he said he was sorry for what he did and wanted to apologise to Kardashian.
The suspects, wearing ski masks and clothes with police markings, allegedly tied up the billionaire celebrity with zip ties and duct tape, before making off with a $US4 million ($6.2 million) engagement ring given to her by her then-husband, rapper Kanye West (now known as Ye), and other jewels with a total worth of $US10 million, according to investigators.
Kardashian will travel to Paris next month to give evidence in the trial, her lawyer said. She is expected to speak on May 13. The verdicts could be announced on May 23.
Alleged ringleader Aomar Ait Khedache attends court in Paris on Monday.Credit: Getty Images
Frank Berton, a lawyer representing 68-year-old Aomar Ait Khedache, nicknamed “Omar the Old” and accused of being the group’s ringleader – which he denies – said he hoped the fact that Kardashian is a global star won’t affect the trial.
“This trial attracts international attention because of who the plaintiff, the victim, is,” Berton said.
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