‘Grandpa Robbers’ Found Guilty in Kim Kardashian Paris Robbery: French Court Issues Lenient Sentences

Nearly a decade after reality TV star Kim Kardashian was held at gunpoint and robbed of millions in jewellery during Paris Fashion Week, a French court has found eight men guilty of the crime — a verdict that brings some measure of closure to one of the most high-profile celebrity heists in recent memory. But despite the serious nature of the armed robbery, the court stopped short of imposing full prison sentences on any of the convicted men, citing their advanced age, poor health, and the long delay in bringing the case to trial.

A Shocking Robbery That Made Global Headlines

The 2016 robbery shocked the world. Kardashian, then in Paris for Fashion Week, was staying alone in a luxury apartment when five masked men disguised as police officers broke in. She was tied up, gagged, and locked in the bathroom while the thieves stole an estimated $10 million in jewellery, including her engagement ring from rapper Kanye West.

The gang, later dubbed the "Grandpa Robbers" due to their average age and extensive criminal records, executed the heist with calculated precision. It was one of the largest jewellery thefts targeting an individual in France in recent history.

Court Ruling and Sentencing

On Friday, a Paris court handed down verdicts in the long-awaited case. The ringleader, 69-year-old Aomar Aït Khedache, received the heaviest sentence: eight years in prison, with five of those years suspended. Three other gang members were sentenced to seven years, also with five-year suspensions. Another three received sentences ranging from three to five years, most of which were suspended.

One individual was found guilty on a weapons charge and fined, while two of the 10 defendants were acquitted. Significantly, due to time already served in pretrial detention, none of the men will return to prison.

Presiding Judge David De Pas said the leniency was influenced by several factors, including the defendants' advanced age, various health conditions, and the nearly nine-year gap between the robbery and the court proceedings.

Remorse and Forgiveness

The trial, which saw Kardashian fly to Paris earlier this month to testify, concluded with emotional appeals and apologies. In court, Khedache submitted a handwritten note in which he asked Kardashian for “a thousand pardons.” Other defendants also expressed remorse in their final statements.

While Kardashian was not present for the verdict, her attorney Franck Berton relayed her reaction to the court. According to Berton, Kardashian acknowledged the apology and offered forgiveness to Khedache: “I do appreciate the letter, I forgive you. But it doesn’t change the feelings and the trauma and the fact that my life was forever changed.”

In a public statement following the ruling, Kardashian said she was “deeply grateful to the French authorities for pursuing justice in this case,” adding: “The crime was the most terrifying experience of my life, leaving a lasting impact on me and my family. While I'll never forget what happened, I believe in the power of growth and accountability and pray for healing for all.”

A Case That Redefined Celebrity Security

The Paris robbery was a wake-up call for celebrities and influencers who frequently showcase their wealth on social media. In the aftermath of the heist, Kardashian drastically changed her approach to public life, scaling back on ostentatious displays of jewellery and tightening her personal security.

The robbery also sparked broader debates around privacy, fame, and the dangers of real-time social media updates. Many pointed out that Kardashian had posted photos of her jewellery and her location in the days leading up to the robbery, potentially tipping off the thieves.

Investigations later revealed that the "Grandpa Robbers" had been monitoring Kardashian’s movements closely and planned the heist around her most vulnerable moments.

Moving On, But Not Forgetting

While the court’s decision not to impose harsher penalties on the convicted men has raised eyebrows, it also signals a focus on reconciliation and rehabilitation over retribution. Whether that approach brings peace to Kardashian and her family remains to be seen.

What’s clear is that the robbery changed Kardashian forever — and not just in terms of security protocols. It served as a profound personal reckoning that she has spoken about in various interviews, describing the experience as one that forced her to re-evaluate her priorities, fame, and material possessions.

As the curtain falls on this dramatic chapter, the French justice system has delivered its final word. For Kardashian, the trauma may linger, but the verdict marks an important milestone on the path toward healing.