On Friday, May 23, 2025, a French court delivered verdicts in the long-standing 2016 Paris robbery case involving reality star Kim Kardashian, finding eight defendants guilty while acquitting two others. The eight individuals, many in their 60s and 70s and collectively dubbed the “grandpa robbers,” were convicted for their roles in a heist that resulted in the theft of approximately $6 million in jewelry during Paris Fashion Week. The robbery, which included the loss of a $4 million diamond engagement ring, occurred at the Hôtel de Pourtalès and involved masked assailants impersonating police officers. The trial, marked by DNA and wiretap evidence, concluded with varying prison sentences while factoring in the defendants’ ages and time elapsed since the crime.
Details of the 2016 Robbery
On October 3, 2016, Kim Kardashian was held at gunpoint by a group of masked men who forced their way into her private residence at the Hôtel de Pourtalès, located in the center of Paris during Fashion Week. The assailants, impersonating police officers, restrained Kardashian and stole an estimated $6 million worth of jewelry, including a particularly valuable $4 million diamond engagement ring.
The incident raised significant international media attention due to Kardashian’s high profile and the bold nature of the crime in a luxury Paris neighborhood.
Trial Proceedings and Evidence
The trial, held nearly nine years after the robbery, featured multiple pieces of evidence that linked the defendants to the crime. Crucial elements included DNA samples collected at the scene and wiretap recordings that captured planning discussions among the accused.
Among the accused were ten individuals, with eight found guilty and two acquitted. The convicted group, many in their 60s and 70s, earned the nickname “grandpa robbers” in media reports due to their advanced ages.
Sentencing and Legal Outcomes
Sentences varied depending on each defendant’s involvement and prior criminal records. The court considered mitigating factors such as the defendants’ age and the time that had elapsed since the robbery when determining the penalties.
While precise sentence lengths have not been disclosed publicly, reports indicate that prison terms were imposed, underscoring the seriousness with which the French judicial system treated this high-profile case.
Impact and Reactions
The verdict closed a significant chapter in a widely followed case that highlighted issues of celebrity security and criminal activity in luxury settings. Kim Kardashian publicly responded to the verdict, expressing relief at the conclusion of the trial and gratitude toward law enforcement authorities for their efforts.
Legal analysts have noted that the completion of this trial may influence future cases involving organized thefts, especially those targeting high-profile individuals.
The conclusion of the 2016 Paris robbery trial marks an important resolution in a high-profile case that captivated international attention for nearly a decade. The convictions of the eight defendants, despite their advanced ages, reaffirm the commitment of the French judicial system to addressing serious crimes irrespective of the passage of time. This verdict not only delivers justice in the theft involving Kim Kardashian but also underscores the ongoing challenges surrounding the security of public figures and luxury goods. As the criminal proceedings close, the case serves as a precedent in handling organized theft and reinforces the need for vigilance and robust legal responses to protect individuals and their valuables in increasingly targeted environments.