Grandpa gangster sentenced to prison: Kim Kardashian's nightmare in court

Grandpa gangster sentenced to prison: Kim Kardashian's nightmare in court

The verdicts have now been reached in the trial surrounding the spectacular attack on US celebrity Kim Kardashian in Paris. The attack, which took place in the luxury “No Address” district in October 2016, is considered one of the largest robberies against a private individual in France in the last two decades. Kardashian was attacked, bound and gagged in her hotel room by five perpetrators dressed as police officers. The loot included jewelry worth around nine million euros, including an extraordinary 18.88-carat engagement ring. Despite the dramatic situation, Kardashian remained physically unharmed, but suffered a severe shock.

The completely affected Kardashian went to court on May 13, 2025 to face the alleged perpetrators. During her emotional testimony, she recounted the fear of death she felt the moment one of the robbers pointed a gun at her. She even thought her sister Kourtney would find her dead on the bed. The robbers had the situation under control within a few minutes by overpowering the doorman and storming into her room. Kardashian begged her to spare her life so she could return to her children. These emotional experiences were used by the prosecutor to underline the seriousness of the crime.

The verdicts and the defendants

The loot from the attack has not yet been found. Investigators suspect it may have been sold in Antwerp. This crime comes within a context of rising violent crime in France, where murder rates have varied over the years. The data shows that despite a decline in property crime, there are violent crime challenges in France, particularly in urban areas such as Paris. The prevailing social conditions, including drug-related crime and increasing violence, cast a shadow on public safety in the region.

Despite the challenges, French police remain committed to pursuing criminals and ensuring public safety. Procedures such as Operation Place Nette have targeted drug trafficking since 2020, which is also indicative of the current crime situation in France. A renewed look at the statistics shows that many of those affected by violence are often caught in a cycle of criminal activity.

Kardashian's courage in sharing her experiences in court is seen by many as an important voice in the discussion about safety and violence. Her case highlights the challenges that celebrities, but also everyday citizens, can experience when it comes to safety and security.

For further information about the trial surrounding the attack on Kim Kardashian, you can ZVW and Visit ZDF. For statistical data on crime in France see Statista.