Saturday, March 29, 2025
Aomar Aït Khedache, 68, a retired restaurant owner, admitted his involvement in the high-profile robbery of Kim Kardashian. He participated in the crime but denies being the mastermind. In court, he revealed that his desire for easy money partially motivated his role in the Kardashian Jewel Heist.
In October 2016, during Paris Fashion Week, robbers held Kardashian hostage in her hotel room at gunpoint. Dressed as police officers, they stole up to $10 million in jewellery, including a $4 million diamond ring. This heist remains one of France’s largest robberies in 20 years.
Aït Khedache was part of a group of elderly men dubbed the “grandpa robbers.” The group used bikes or walked to the hotel to carry out the robbery. Despite his health problems, including deafness, Aït Khedache participated in the trial using a typed transcript to answer questions.
Aït Khedache admitted to a long criminal history, dating back to the 1970s. He explained that his involvement in the heist stemmed from associating with bad company and seeking easy money. When asked about his financial motivation, he responded, “Not particularly, but that too.”
At the time of the robbery, Aït Khedache was living under a stolen identity to evade a drug trafficking conviction. He had been wanted by police since 2010.
The trial also featured emotional testimonies from Aït Khedache’s family. His son Harminy, accused of being the getaway driver, denied any knowledge of the robbery. Harminy said he only picked up his father without knowing about the heist. In court, Harminy broke down, revealing that he had recently discovered Aït Khedache was not his biological father. However, he had always seen him as a father figure.
Haris, Aït Khedache’s second son, testified as a character witness. He said, “He made a mistake… He found himself in a situation where he didn’t have the choice.” Haris added that his father deeply regretted the impact the robbery had on the victims.
As the trial continues, more details about Aït Khedache’s past criminal life and the robbery will be revealed. This case remains under scrutiny, drawing attention to one of the most audacious robberies in recent history.
