A Paris criminal court has sentenced a 21-year-old man to nine years in prison and an €80,000 fine for his involvement in a 2023 robbery at the Paris apartment of goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and his then-pregnant girlfriend.
Ilyas Kherbouch, identified by the nickname 'Ganito,' was one of four individuals accused in the incident that occurred on Avenue Montaigne, a prominent street in Paris. Donnarumma, who was playing for Paris Saint-Germain at the time, and his partner, Alessia Elefante, were asleep when the break-in occurred. According to court documents, Kherbouch hit Donnarumma with a knuckle duster and threatened him with a knife, demanding watches. Elefante reported being woken by thieves who took cash, watches, and luxury handbags. She also stated that she was physically assaulted by one of the robbers who did not believe she did not know the safe's combination, despite telling them she was pregnant.
The thieves gained access to the apartment by using a ladder to climb onto the roof, then descending to the balcony and breaking through windows. They reportedly left with supercar keys, cash, watches, and luxury handbags.
Kherbouch, who has a history of criminal convictions and had previously escaped from jail, caused disruptions during the trial, including insulting police officers. His co-defendant, Khyan Mamouni, 22, was acquitted, while Moktar Diop, 24, received a five-year sentence, with two years suspended. Diop admitted to participating in the robbery but was not accused of using violence. Two other individuals, who were minors at the time of the incident, had previously received sentences of three and four years in a children's court. A fourth suspect died by suicide in 2024 after admitting to his involvement.
Donnarumma and Elefante, who have since married and had a child, were reportedly left profoundly shocked by the ordeal.