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.
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.
More on Crime
The Latest
MajorsNov 21, 2025
Natural Diamond Council Names New CEOAmber Pepper’s main focus will be on digital innovation and engaging younger consumers.
SourcingNov 21, 2025
De Beers’ Branded, Traceable Diamonds Roll Out to 19 Retailers Called “Origin by De Beers Group,” the loose, polished diamonds are being sold in a total of 30 stores in the United States and Canada.
CollectionsNov 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Melissa Kaye’s ‘Rocky Infinity’ NecklaceThe lariat necklace features a 4.88-carat oval-cut Zambian emerald in 18-karat yellow gold.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
AuctionsNov 20, 2025
Vanderbilt Jewels Shine at Phillips Sale, Pink Diamond WithdrawnA 43-carat sapphire brooch from the Vanderbilt collection was the top lot of the Geneva sale.
Weekly QuizNov 20, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsNov 20, 2025
Rebecca Rau Jewels Debuts With ‘Then & Now’ CollectionRau is a fourth-generation art and antique dealer from M.S. Rau gallery whose first jewelry collection merges artifacts with modern design.
Policies & IssuesNov 20, 2025
RJC Names New Executive DirectorFormer De Beers sustainability leader Purvi Shah will take over the role in February 2026.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
WatchesNov 20, 2025
LVMH Takes Minority Stake in Citizen Group-Owned Movement Maker La Joux-Perret is based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and makes solar quartz as well as mechanical watch movements.
GradingNov 20, 2025
Julia Griffith Joins SSEF as Head of EducationShe previously taught at Gem-A and is the founder of The Gem Academy.
CollectionsNov 19, 2025
Larkspur & Hawk Celebrates 25 Years With Helena Bonham Carter CampaignThe British actress and her daughter modeled pieces from the brand’s new “Palette” capsule for its “Once Upon a Time” holiday campaign.
TechnologyNov 19, 2025
Google Has a New Form for Reporting ‘Review Bombing’ Attacks Plus, the tech giant shares the steps retailers should take if they believe they’re a victim of a review extortion scam.
IndependentsNov 19, 2025
Houston Jeweler Keith Shaftel Retires, Next Generation Steps In Danny and Gaby Shaftel are now Shaftel Diamonds’ CEO and chief operating officer, respectively.
TrendsNov 19, 2025
Midas Chain Releases 2025 Holiday Style GuideThe jewelry manufacturer’s seasonal offering features its new “Melodie” bangles, as well as mini stud earrings and layering pieces.
Events & AwardsNov 18, 2025
NYC Jewelry Week 2025: 12 Must-See EventsWith more than 140 activations taking place in New York City now through Nov. 23, these 12 events are can’t-miss moments.
MajorsNov 18, 2025
Lugano Diamonds Files for Bankruptcy, Looking for BuyerThe Chapter 11 filing follows the resignation of CEO Moti Ferder, who stepped down after an investigation into the company’s finances.
Events & AwardsNov 18, 2025
A Giant, Bejeweled Moldy Berry Is on Display in LAThe artwork is part of an exhibition featuring works by Kathleen Ryan, an artist known for her gemstone-studded rotting fruit sculptures.
SourcingNov 18, 2025
Another Diamond Company CEO Steps DownMark Wall, president and CEO of Canadian mining company Mountain Province Diamonds, will vacate his position next month.
GradingNov 17, 2025
IGI Announces New President of North AmericaTiffany & Co. veteran Jeffrey Bennett has stepped into the role.
MajorsNov 17, 2025
Look Inside Robbins Brothers Fine Jewelers’ New Pasadena FlagshipThe showroom is located in a historic 1920s building in the Playhouse District.
Policies & IssuesNov 14, 2025
U.S., Switzerland Reach Deal That Drops Tariff to 15%The Swiss government announced the deal, which cuts the tax on Swiss imports by more than half, on social media Friday morning.
AuctionsNov 14, 2025
Napoleon’s Diamond Brooch Blows Away Auction Estimates A buyer paid $4.4 million for the piece, which Napoleon wore on his hat for special occasions and left behind when he fled Waterloo.
FinancialsNov 14, 2025
Richemont’s Q2 Jewelry Sales Up 12%Plus, how tariffs and the rising price of gold are affecting its watch and jewelry brands.
CollectionsNov 14, 2025
Piece of the Week: Silvia Furmanovich’s ‘Butterflies in Flight’ Jewelry BoxFurmanovich designed the box to hold Mellerio’s “Color Queen,” a high jewelry collection consisting of 10 rings.
Events & AwardsNov 14, 2025
JCK Names New Event DirectorJennifer Hopf, who has been with JCK since 2022, will lead the execution of the long-running jewelry trade show.
IndependentsNov 13, 2025
127-Year-Old New Orleans Jeweler to CloseAdler’s Jewelry is set to close its two stores as 82-year-old owner Coleman E. Adler II retires.
IndependentsNov 13, 2025
Green Lake Jewelry Works to Move to New Seattle StudioFounder Jim Tuttle shared how a dedication to craftsmanship and meaningful custom jewelry fueled the retailer’s double-digit growth.
