The high-profile trial of the so-called “Grandpa Robbers” — accused of stealing $10 million worth of jewelry from Kim Kardashian in a dramatic 2016 Paris heist — continued on Wednesday, with the alleged mastermind taking the stand.
‘Old Omar’ Denies Being the Gang’s Leader
Aomar Aït Khedache, a 68-year-old man known as “Old Omar,” appeared in court under unusual circumstances. Deaf and mute, he responded to typed questions via handwritten notes, which were then projected for the court to see. Despite confessing to participating in the robbery, Omar denied allegations that he was the ringleader of the group.
“I was involved, but I wasn’t the leader,” he claimed through written testimony.
Details of the 2016 Robbery Resurface
The robbery took place in October 2016 during Paris Fashion Week, when Kim Kardashian was staying at a luxury private residence. Omar admitted to tying up Kim at gunpoint, binding her with plastic zip ties and duct tape, and leaving her in the bathtub while the group stole her jewelry and made a swift getaway on foot and bicycles.
Prosecutors say Omar’s DNA was recovered on the plastic ties used in the crime, and surveillance footage and phone data allegedly place him at the scene.
A Life of Crime and a Hidden Identity
At the time of the robbery, Omar was living under a false identity, evading law enforcement in connection with a prior drug trafficking case. Many of the men involved in the heist — now dubbed the “Grandpa Robbers” — are in their 60s and 70s and have lengthy criminal records, including prior bank robberies and other felonies.
Allegations of Prison Abuse
In court, Omar also claimed mistreatment during a prior prison sentence, stating he had been subjected to electric shock therapy, which he says caused his hearing loss. He is currently under house arrest while standing trial.
Trial Continues Ahead of Kim Kardashian’s Testimony
In total, 10 people — including one woman — are on trial for the high-profile robbery. An 11th suspect reportedly died before the case went to court.
Kim Kardashian is expected to testify in Paris on May 13, marking a critical moment in the trial that has already captivated global media attention.
