CrimeMay 14, 2025
Seattle Detectives Seek Public’s Help in Tiffany & Co. Robberies CrimeMay 28, 2025
8 Convicted in Kim Kardashian Jewelry Heist Trial
Aging and with myriad health issues, none will serve time for their roles in robbing the billionaire celebrity at gunpoint in 2016.
Kim Kardashian arrived at the Palais de Justice in Paris on May 13 to testify in the robbery trial wearing a handful of diamond jewels, including a necklace from Samer Halimeh New York priced at $3 million. (Photo courtesy of Samer Halimeh New York)
Paris—On May 23, a Paris court handed down guilty verdicts to eight individuals for their roles in the 2016 armed robbery of American reality TV star and entrepreneur Kim Kardashian.
Nine men and one woman were accused in the crime, which took place in the celebrity’s Paris hotel room and involved the theft of nearly $10 million worth of jewelry.
The ringleader, 69-year-old Aomar Aït Khedache, received eight years of prison time, the most severe sentence, as reported by French news site Le Monde, with AP.
However, five years of his sentence were suspended, meaning the sentence is not enforced as long as the convicted individual stays out of trouble.
Three others convicted in the crime received seven years with five years suspended, while three others received prison sentences ranging from five to three years, mostly or completely suspended, the news site said.
Among those was 71-year-old Yunice Abbas, who wrote a 2021 book about the heist.
Abbas was sentenced to seven years in prison, with most of that suspended, NPR reported. Abbas had previously served 20 years for burglary.
The eighth person was found guilty on a weapons charge and fined.
Two were acquitted.
None will serve any time in prison, according to Le Monde, due to their suspended sentences and the time they’ve already served in pretrial detention.
According to Le Monde, chief judge David De Pas also cited the defendants’ ages—six are in their 60s and 70s—and health issues as playing a role in the court’s decision to impose sentences that, NPR said, were “significantly lighter than the prosecution’s demands.”
Twelve suspects initially were charged with robbing Kardashian. At the time of the trial, one had died, and another was too ill to be put on trial.
The trial was heard by a three-judge panel and six jurors.
Related stories will be right here …
Nine men and one woman were accused in the crime, which took place in the celebrity’s Paris hotel room and involved the theft of nearly $10 million worth of jewelry.
The ringleader, 69-year-old Aomar Aït Khedache, received eight years of prison time, the most severe sentence, as reported by French news site Le Monde, with AP.
However, five years of his sentence were suspended, meaning the sentence is not enforced as long as the convicted individual stays out of trouble.
Three others convicted in the crime received seven years with five years suspended, while three others received prison sentences ranging from five to three years, mostly or completely suspended, the news site said.
Among those was 71-year-old Yunice Abbas, who wrote a 2021 book about the heist.
Abbas was sentenced to seven years in prison, with most of that suspended, NPR reported. Abbas had previously served 20 years for burglary.
The eighth person was found guilty on a weapons charge and fined.
Two were acquitted.
None will serve any time in prison, according to Le Monde, due to their suspended sentences and the time they’ve already served in pretrial detention.
According to Le Monde, chief judge David De Pas also cited the defendants’ ages—six are in their 60s and 70s—and health issues as playing a role in the court’s decision to impose sentences that, NPR said, were “significantly lighter than the prosecution’s demands.”
Twelve suspects initially were charged with robbing Kardashian. At the time of the trial, one had died, and another was too ill to be put on trial.
The trial was heard by a three-judge panel and six jurors.
Following the trial, Kardashian’s attorneys, Michael Rhodes, Léonor Hennerick and Jonathan Mattou, shared a statement with People magazine saying Kardashian “appreciates the court’s decision and once again thanks the French authorities for treating her with great respect throughout the process.”
The robbery happened in October 2016 when Kardashian was in Paris for Fashion Week.
A handful of individuals disguised as police officers came into her hotel, l’Hotel de Pourtalès, and forced the concierge to lead them to her suite.
They tied her up and put her in a bathroom before making off with a $4 million Lorraine Schwartz ring, as well as about $5 million worth of additional jewelry, two cell phones and a wallet.
Khedache’s DNA was found on the bands used to bind Kardashian, according to the AP.
In January 2017, the police, using DNA recovered from the crime scene and footage from security cameras, arrested 17 suspects in connection with the crime.
With the accused in their 40s, 50s and 60s, and the oldest member being about 72, the French media began referring to the group as les papys braqueurs or “the grandpa robbers.”
They faced charges including armed robbery, kidnapping and gang association, according to the AP.
A platinum and diamond cross necklace, believed to have been dropped in the street by the thieves during their escape, was the only piece of jewelry ever recovered.
The trial began on April 28, nine years after the crime took place.
Sources report it was delayed to 2025 due to French bureaucratic processes along with the prioritization of larger cases such as France’s criminal trial over the November 2015 terror attacks.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
During the trial, Kardashian’s choice of jewels attracted attention.
Longtime New York Times fashion critic Vanessa Friedman wrote that Kardashian’s decision to wear diamonds to court could be interpreted as a symbol of power donned by a defiant survivor, or just another opportunity for publicity.
On May 23, the day she took the witness stand, the billionaire businesswoman wore a black ensemble adorned with several pieces of diamond jewelry including an anklet, bold earrings, and a $3 million bespoke diamond necklace by Samer Halimeh New York.
This bespoke necklace by Samer Halimeh New York features 80 diamonds totaling 52.17 carats, anchored by a 10.13-carat pear-shaped center stone hand-set in 18-karat white gold.
“We are absolutely honored to see Kim Kardashian wearing Samer Halimeh New York,” the brand’s founder and CEO Samer Halimeh said.
“She represents strength, fearlessness, and grace—all qualities we admire and design for. This was a powerful moment, and we’re proud to have been a part of it.”
Whatever the reason was, Kardashian’s decision to wear bold diamond jewelry to a well-publicized trial does carry with it a small sense of irony.
Prior to the robbery, Kardashian had posted, from her Paris suite, photos of herself and her jewelry to her more than 300 million followers on social media, including one image where she flaunts a 20-carat diamond ring, gifted by her then-husband Kanye West.
Following the robbery, the billionaire became vocal about the lessons she learned and her plans to be more conservative when it comes to publicly flaunting her lavish lifestyle and whereabouts in real time.
“I was definitely materialistic before … but I’m so happy that my kids get this me,” Kardashian reflected on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” in 2017.
The celebrity, who forgave the thieves and posted recently on her Instagram, “I believe in second chances,” is working toward becoming a lawyer and has advocated for criminal justice reform.
The Latest
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2026
Illuminating Carved Paraiba Pendant, Suite of Moonstones Wow at Spectrum AwardsSpectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.
TrendsOct 30, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Pendants Say ‘Eye’m Watching You’Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.
MajorsOct 30, 2026
The RealReal Hires Former eBay Exec as New Chief Merchandising OfficerAlexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
WatchesOct 29, 2026
Bucherer Opens Rolex Boutique in Washington StateThe Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.
Weekly QuizOct 29, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsOct 29, 2026
Amanda's Style File: All Treats, No Tricks Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Gesswein Hires Longtime Bench Jeweler, Educator Ann CahoonCahoon was appointed strategic account and educational program manager at Gesswein, which recently joined Continental Buying Group.
Brought to you by
Open an Account, Get $50 Off Your First Order. No Code Needed.Built on Relationships. Refined by Craft.
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Amanda Seyfried Stars In Tiffany & Co.’s Holiday CampaignTiffany & Co.’s latest ambassador makes her debut in its “Love Is a Gift” holiday campaign.
EditorsOct 28, 2026
These Wicked Jewels Will Cast a Spell on YouFor her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow highlights bewitching jewels fit for a witch that go from day to unholy night.
SurveysOct 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Up in October as Gas Prices EaseConsumer confidence remains on the long-term downward trend that’s persisted over the past few years, said a Conference Board economist.
MajorsOct 28, 2026
Stuller’s Holiday Campaign Lets the ‘Magic of the Moment’ ShineThe holiday campaign includes key jewelry trends, a curated holiday gift guide, and resources to help jewelers prepare for holiday shoppers.
SourcingOct 27, 2026
De Beers Celebrates the Holidays With New ‘Desert Diamonds’ CampaignThe “Icons” holiday campaign spotlights four classic diamond jewelry styles reimagined in “Desert Diamond” tones.
IndependentsOct 27, 2026
Solomon Brothers Acquires Mervis Diamond ImportersSolomon Brothers, which has three stores in the Metro Atlanta area, said it may continue to acquire other independent jewelers.
IndependentsOct 27, 2026
Gabriel & Co. Supports Charity Partner DKMS With Gala, New JewelsThe fine jewelry brand raised $2.3 million at its annual gala that supports the nonprofit’s fight against blood cancer and blood disorders.
Events & AwardsOct 27, 2026
JFC Announces 2027 ‘Facets’ HonoreesThe annual fundraising event is slated for June 6, 2027, at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas.
CollectionsOct 26, 2026
Bliss Lau’s ‘Vantage’ Point Is the Hawaiian HorizonIn her “Vantage” collection, Lau explores heritage, identity, and inner strength through designs featuring blue-green Guatemalan jade.
MajorsOct 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Takes Consumers Behind the ScenesThe jeweler gave the public backstage tours of its flagship store and its design and innovation workshop as part of LVMH’s open house.
Events & AwardsOct 26, 2026
Support JFC’s ‘Monster Mash Challenge,’ If You DareVote for which jewelry professional should dress up as a monster to support Jewelers for Children’s annual Halloween fundraiser.
MajorsOct 23, 2026
PGI USA Set to Close at Year’s EndThe closure is part of a global restructuring that also includes PGI winding down its operations in Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong.
SourcingOct 23, 2026
Rachel Chalchinsky’s ‘Survivor Tribute’ RingThe ring, our Piece of the Week, was designed by eight-year breast cancer survivor Rachel Chalchinsky of Color Source Gems.
TechnologyOct 23, 2026
JA Unveils New Website, LogoThe website offers enhanced member benefit access, industry directories, educational resources, a job board, and access to the MJSA Journal.
FinancialsOct 23, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Sales Up Double Digits in Q3Boucheron and Pomellato had a strong third quarter, with Kering looking at jewelry as an increasingly important part of its portfolio.
MajorsOct 22, 2026
Neiman Marcus Has Gifts for the Jewelry Lover Who Has EverythingBespoke experiences from Buccellati and Verdura are on the retailer’s 2026 “Fantasy Gifts” list.
Events & AwardsOct 22, 2026
JIS Fall 2026 Reports Record-Breaking Attendance The number of participants at the fall show was up 12 percent.
CollectionsOct 22, 2026
Billie Eilish, Finneas Co-Design Collection for John HardyThe Academy and Grammy award-winning siblings have collaborated with John Hardy on a new jewelry line inspired by their personal style.
PodcastsOct 21, 2026
Episode 10: This Episode Is Haunted Diana Singer shared the stories of two “cursed” diamonds on this month’s podcast, which was inexplicably riddled with technical issues.
