Trial Begins in Paris for the Million-Dollar Jewellery Heist Involving Kim Kardashian

Paris is hosting the much-anticipated trial for the jewellery heist involving Kim Kardashian, an episode that shocked the international public. The incident occurred in October 2016 when the television star was robbed at gunpoint in a discreet hotel in the French capital during Fashion Week.

Ten defendants, most of them elderly with extensive criminal records for similar offences, are in the dock at the Paris Correctional Court. They face charges ranging from violent robbery to membership in an organised criminal gang. The prosecution is seeking sentences of up to 20 years in prison for the main perpetrators.

In the early hours of 3 October 2016, several men disguised as police officers broke into the private residence where Kardashian was staying. Armed, they tied up the American celebrity, locked her in the bathroom, and made off with loot valued at over 9 million euros, including her engagement ring, a 20-carat diamond ring, and several exclusive pieces of high jewellery.

Only a necklace that fell from the robbers during their escape was recovered. Of the entire haul, only a necklace was found on the street, dropped by the attackers during their getaway. It is believed that the gold was melted down, and investigators, who seized hundreds of thousands of euros from the thieves' homes, think that a large portion of the jewellery was sold in Belgium.

The media star attempted to call for help by phone, which led one of the assailants to point a gun at her. Kim, who was alone after her security team had left, later described the experience as "terrifying" and said she feared for her life.

"It wasn't a big armed robbery, just an easy job," recounted the main defendant, Aomar Ait Khedache, who was identified during the meticulous investigation thanks to DNA evidence. The thief has admitted to the facts and even said he tied up the businesswoman; however, he has consistently denied being the mastermind behind the plot.

Of the initial twelve defendants, only ten will stand trial due to their advanced age. Known as the 'grandfather robbers', one of them died in March, and the oldest, aged 80, suffering from Alzheimer's, is unfit to stand trial.

The judges will have to determine the responsibility of each of the accused and their role in the heist nine years ago, as well as find out how they managed to be so well-informed. The investigation suggests that Kardashian's chauffeur's brother, Gary Madar, was responsible for providing the information.

According to her French lawyers, Kim is trying to "move on" but wants justice to be served, so she is expected to testify at the trial on 13 May.

The opening session was held under strict security measures, and the process is expected to last several weeks. The case, which highlighted security gaps around major international stars, has also had a lasting impact on the perception of private security at high-profile events in Europe.