Marceau Baum-Gertner, a key suspect in the infamous $10 million robbery of reality TV star Kim Kardashian, has died suddenly just as his trial was set to begin. The 72-year-old, who was known as the "super fence" for his role in the crime, passed away on March 6, 2025, in Paris's 10th arrondissement. His unexpected death has left many questions unanswered, particularly as he was due to stand trial alongside ten others accused of various charges linked to the high-profile heist.
Baum-Gertner was believed to be instrumental in organizing the sale of the stolen jewelry, which included Kardashian's prized 18.88-carat diamond engagement ring, valued at approximately $4 million. According to reports from MailOnline, he had been receiving death threats from gangland sources in the lead-up to the trial, raising concerns about his safety and the potential revelations he might have made in court.
During the robbery that took place in October 2016, Kardashian was held at gunpoint in her hotel room at the Hôtel de Pourtalès while a group of men, posing as police officers, tied her up and made off with millions in jewelry. The incident left Kardashian traumatized; she later recounted in an episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashians how she feared for her life, stating, "I thought, 'Okay, this is the moment. They are going to rape me.'" She described the horrifying experience of being duct-taped and held against her will, a moment that has haunted her since.
Baum-Gertner, nicknamed Nez Râpé, or "Rough Nose," had a long history of criminal activity, with multiple convictions for handling stolen goods, forgery, and robbery. He was set to appear in court on April 28, 2025, as part of a larger group of defendants, including notorious figures like Didier "Blue Eyes" Dubreucq and François "Big Guy" Delaporte. These men, often referred to as "grandpa robbers" due to their advanced ages, were accused of orchestrating the audacious heist.
Despite his extensive criminal background, Baum-Gertner had been released on bail and was living in Paris while awaiting trial, regularly reporting to police. His death caught the legal authorities off guard, as an official communiqué issued shortly after his passing still listed him as a key defendant in the upcoming trial. A source close to the investigation revealed that Baum-Gertner had been eager to clear his name, stating, "His name was on the defendants' list for the trial, and he was very enthusiastic about clearing his name in court." Unfortunately, his sudden demise has left many of his potential defenses untested.
The French Justice Ministry characterized Baum-Gertner's actions as "to the detriment of Ms. Kim Kardashian," highlighting the significant impact of the crime not only on Kardashian but also on the broader Parisian community, which has faced scrutiny over its safety for high-profile visitors. The Kardashian robbery trial has been delayed multiple times, with officials expressing frustration over the lengthy legal process, which has been complicated by other high-profile cases, including that of former President Nicolas Sarkozy.
As the trial approaches, Kardashian is expected to fly to Paris to testify as a key witness. Her testimony will be crucial in establishing the details of the robbery and the involvement of the accused. During her earlier statements to the court, she provided a detailed account of the traumatic events, emphasizing the psychological toll the incident took on her life.
Baum-Gertner's death raises significant questions about the future of the trial and the potential for justice for Kardashian. As a known figure in the Paris underworld, his connections to various mafia gangs have been well-documented, and investigators had been closely monitoring his activities in the years following the robbery. Reports indicate that he had traveled to Antwerp multiple times to meet with potential buyers for the stolen jewelry, which included meetings with known criminal associates.
The stolen jewelry, which includes luxury watches and other high-value items, has never been recovered, and Baum-Gertner's passing leaves a void in the investigation. His refusal to cooperate with authorities during pre-trial interrogations had already raised suspicions, and there was a growing concern that he might have named accomplices if he felt his freedom was threatened. A source indicated that other criminals were worried about his potential testimony, stating, "There was the constant possibility that he would 'name names' as a means of keeping any possible prison sentence down."
As the trial date looms, the remaining defendants are expected to face significant scrutiny. Aomar Aït Khedache, who has already confessed to being the ringleader of the Kardashian gang, and Yunnis Abbas, who is also implicated, will likely take center stage as the legal proceedings unfold. The trial is anticipated to last until the end of May 2025, and the court will have to navigate the complexities of Baum-Gertner's death and its implications for the case.
In the aftermath of the robbery, the Parisian authorities have expressed concerns about the impact of such high-profile cases on the city's reputation as a safe destination for tourists and celebrities. With the 2024 Paris Olympics on the horizon, ensuring safety and security for visitors has become a top priority for local officials.
As Kim Kardashian prepares to return to Paris to testify, the eyes of the world will be on the courtroom, eager to see how justice unfolds in this high-stakes case. The robbery not only changed Kardashian's life but also shed light on the darker side of celebrity culture and the lengths to which criminals will go to exploit it.
