Kim Kardashian will today confront the suspected 'grandpa gang' of Paris robbers who allegedly held her at gunpoint before stealing $10 million worth of her jewellery inside a luxury hotel in the French capital. The reality TV star was tied up, gagged, and locked in a bathroom when she was targeted by thieves in 2016 while visiting Paris Fashion Week. Speaking to the media in Paris before her expected court appearance today, her lawyers said: 'She is committed to attending in person the trial and to confronting those who attacked her.' The gang of thieves at the centre of the Kim Kardashian heist were dubbed the 'grandpa gang' by the French media as most are now in their 60s and 70s and suffering from a range of illnesses, including Alzheimers. They were charged following an extensive investigation launched following the robbery eight-and-a-half years ago during one of the busiest weeks in the Parisian calendar - Paris Fashion Week. Twelve suspects were charged, but only 10 are standing trial in Paris, nine men and one woman, with proceedings delayed as a result of Covid and other high-profile cases. One of the suspects, Pierre 'Big Pierrot' Bouianere, 72, was ruled unfit to enter the dock because he is suffering from Alzheimer's, while another, Marceau Baum-Gertner, has since died. Those taking the stand face charges including armed robbery, membership of a criminal gang, and kidnapping, which refers to Kardashian being held hostage at gunpoint. Some are accused of aiding in the organisation of the robbery. Eight of the accused deny any involvement, while two suspects, Yunice Abbas, 72, and Aomar Ait Khedache, 70, have admitted participating in the heist. The other men on trial include: Gary Madar: 35-year-old is accused of being an informant, potentially providing information about Kardashian's location.Marc Boyer: 78-year-old is accused of obtaining the gun used in the robbery.Marc-Alexandre Boyer: 36-year-old son of Marc Boyer who is accused of participating in the robberyHarminy Ait Khedache: 38-year-old son of Omar who is accused of tailing the reality TV star's limousine as she was driven around the city.Didier Dubreucq: 69-year-old is accused of being one of the two men who entered Kim's penthouse and put a gun to her head.Francois Delaporte: 61-year-old is accused of taking part in the robberyChristiane Cathy Glotin: 78-year-old is accused of helping to organise the Kardashian heist, and allegedly travelled to Antwerp to sell the swag - the only female defendantFlorus Hroui: 52-year-old is accused of passing on information about Ms Kardashians movements in Paris to Old Omar. The hotel concierge at the time, Abderrahmane Ouatiki, who was also held up at gunpoint and yesterday told the court he thought he was going to die, also took his seat in the court reserved for victims. The trial is being heard at the Palais de Justice.
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