Almost ten years after Kim Kardashian was tied up at gunpoint and robbed in Paris, the city’s court is now ready to give its verdict. The attack took place during Paris Fashion Week in 2016. Masked men dressed as police officers entered Kardashian's luxury residence, tied her up with zip-ties, and stole jewelry worth $6 million. On Friday, the court will decide the fate of nine men and one woman accused of carrying out or helping with the robbery.

Key Figure Behind the Robbery

At the center of the case is Aomar Aït Khedache. He is 70 years old and well-known in Paris’ criminal circles. Prosecutors linked him to the crime after they found his DNA on the zip-ties. They also recorded his phone calls. He was heard giving instructions, finding helpers, and trying to sell the stolen diamonds in Belgium. However, police never recovered the jewels. Khedache claimed he only played a small role. He said a person named “X” or “Ben” planned everything. But prosecutors believe that person never existed.

Elderly Defendants, Serious Charges

People in France started calling the group “les papys braqueurs,” which means “grandpa robbers.” Many of them are old and frail. Some wore orthopedic shoes, others leaned on canes. A few struggled to hear and had trouble speaking. Still, prosecutors urged the court not to feel sympathy. They reminded everyone that these men had years of criminal experience. The charges are serious: armed robbery, kidnapping, and being part of a gang. If found guilty, they could go to prison for life.

Kardashian’s Emotional Testimony

Kim Kardashian gave powerful testimony earlier this month. She told the court, “I absolutely did think I was going to die. I have babies. I have to make it home. They can take everything. I just have to make it home.” She described how the robbers threw her on a bed and tied her hands. They held a gun to her and later dragged her into a marble bathroom. After they left, she freed herself by rubbing the tape on her wrists against the sink. Then she hid, barefoot and trembling, with her friend.

Before the robbery, Kardashian loved Paris. She often walked the streets at night, enjoying window shopping and hot chocolate. But that night changed everything. “People were watching… They knew where I was,” she said.

Impact on Celebrity Culture

The robbery sent shockwaves around the world. It made celebrities rethink how much of their lives they should share online. Before the robbery, Kardashian posted real-time updates and flaunted her wealth. But after the attack, she stopped revealing her location and removed flashy posts. She avoided Paris for several years. Many other celebrities also became more private. Privacy became a new form of luxury.

Final Day in Court

Defense lawyers asked the judges to go easy on the accused, pointing out their poor health and old age. However, prosecutors argued that these were seasoned criminals and deserved no mercy.

The court will hear the final statements on Friday. After that, three judges and six jurors will meet to decide the verdict. Most observers agree that this case took a very long time to reach trial. Kardashian once said, “This experience really changed everything.” Now, she hopes the verdict will finally bring her peace.