‘I kidnapped Kim Kardashian’: Trial opens as ‘grandpa robber’ admits dropping $24K necklace

The long-awaited trial of ten people accused of taking part in the 2016 robbery of Kim Kardashian in Paris began this week, almost nine years after the crime that stunned the world. The trial, which is expected to continue until May 23, started with statements from several important defendants, revealing details about their supposed roles in the multimillion dollar theft.

One of the most notable testimonies came from 71-year-old Yunice Abbas, who is part of the so-called “Grandpa Robbers,” a group whose members are all in their sixties or seventies. Abbas, who wrote a book called I Kidnapped Kim Kardashian describing his part in the crime, confessed that he dropped a $24,000 diamond necklace while escaping on a bicycle after the robbery, according to TMZ.

The necklace was later found by someone walking by. Abbas also said during his testimony that he regrets what he did, something he had not expressed in earlier interviews. His wife claimed that his criminal actions were due to growing up poor and not having a male role model in his life.

Grandpa robbers claim hard upbringing as defense

Another defendant, Gary Madar (35), is accused of giving the robbery team information about Kardashian’s location. Madar, who worked for Kourtney Kardashian at the time, says he was not involved. His brother had previously driven members of the Kardashian family, including before Kim and Kanye West’s 2014 wedding in Italy.

Marc Boyer (78) is accused of providing the gun used in the robbery. He admitted that he acted as a lookout during the crime and said he exposed his son, who is also involved in the case, to a life of illegal activity.

The robbery happened in the early morning of October 3, 2016, during Paris Fashion Week.

Two men, dressed as police officers overpowered a security guard at Kardashian’s rented apartment in the Hôtel de Pourtalès. They tied Kardashian up and put tape over her mouth, leaving her in a bathtub while they stole around $10 million worth of jewelry, including a $4 million diamond engagement ring. Kardashian later said she believed she was in serious danger and was afraid she would be assaulted.

Eleven people were originally charged in connection with the robbery, but one suspect passed away in March 2025. Another suspect was excused from the trial because of severe memory loss. The charges against the ten remaining defendants vary, including armed robbery, kidnapping, and helping the criminals. Five are accused of directly taking part in the robbery, while the others are said to have acted as lookouts or provided support.

At the start of the trial, six jury members were chosen. Three judges are overseeing the case. Kim Kardashian is expected to give her testimony on May 13, sharing her personal account of the terrifying event. The prosecution will likely focus on the careful planning and execution of the robbery, pointing out the defendants’ alleged roles and the evidence connecting them to the crime.