A key figure in the 2016 robbery of Kim Kardashian’s jewelry, Marceau Baum-Gertner, died unexpectedly on March 6, weeks before his trial in Paris. The 72-year-old’s death, reported by Daily Mail, leaves a significant gap in the high-profile case. No cause of death disclosed though sources noted Baum-Gertner faced threats from other criminals in his final days.
On October 3, 2016, during Paris Fashion Week, armed robbers disguised as police stormed Kardashian’s luxury apartment. They bound and gagged the reality star, stealing jewelry worth €10 million, including a €4 million engagement ring from Kanye West. Kardashian, alone at the time unharmed but deeply shaken.
French police arrested 16 suspects in January 2017, aided by DNA evidence from plastic ties used to restrain Kardashian. The group, led by alleged mastermind Aomar Ait Khedache, nicknamed “Old Omar,” included seasoned criminals. Baum-Gertner, known as “Rough Nose” or “Broken Nose,” accused of selling the stolen jewelry, particularly the engagement ring, in Antwerp’s underground market.
Baum-Gertner, previously convicted for money laundering. And document forgery, reportedly traveled to Antwerp multiple times in late 2016 to offload the loot. Wiretapped conversations captured him promising to sell the ring within days. Released on bail after his arrest, he lived in Paris under police supervision, expressing eagerness to attend the trial. His sudden death on March 6 has disrupted proceedings, with no clarity on how it will affect the case against the remaining 10 defendants.
The trial, set for April 28 to May 23, 2025, involves charges of armed robbery, kidnapping, and organized crime. Kardashian expected to testify against the accused including 71-year-old Younes Abbas and 68-year-old Ait Khedache.
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Another suspect, 80-year-old Pierre Bouiner will be tried separately due to poor health, while an 11th suspect has also died. Most stolen jewelry, including the ring melted down or sold, with only a few pieces recovered.
