Susanna Riva In July 2023, Gianluigi Donnarumma and his then-girlfriend Alessia Elefante, now his wife, were victims of a violent robbery in their Paris apartment. The goalkeeper, then a Paris Saint-Germain player, and his partner were held hostage, threatened, and robbed of valuables. The incident culminated in the conviction of the instigator, Ilyas Kherbouch, known as Ganito.
The carefully planned robbery saw the criminals break into the couple's home, punching Donnarumma in the face and tying them both up with a cell phone charger cable. The robbers stole cash, valuable watches, designer handbags, a phone, and the keys to a Mercedes and a Lamborghini. Before fleeing, they also beat the building's doorman who tried to intervene.
The trial and the sentences
A Paris court sentenced Ilyas Kherbouch to nine years in prison and a fine of 80 euros . Kherbouch, who was already in prison at the time of the robbery, was found guilty of instigating the robbery. During his trial, he denied any responsibility, as did Khyan Mamouni, who was accused of ordering the robbery from his cell and later acquitted.
Moktar Diop, one of the perpetrators of the robbery, was sentenced to five years in prison, two of which were suspended . Diop admitted participating in the robbery but denied committing any violence.
The defendants' statements
During the trial, the defendants provided conflicting versions of events. Khyan Mamouni, also known as Khyan M., denied any responsibility, maintaining that he had no role in organizing the robbery. Moktar Diop, however, admitted his participation but denied committing any violence, limiting his involvement to the execution phase of the robbery.
The Paris prosecutor's office had requested a ten-year prison sentence for Kherbouch, emphasizing the seriousness of the crime and the coordinating role played by the instigator. The nine-year sentence reflects the court's assessment, which considered the evidence gathered and the defendants' statements.
The consequences of the robbery
The robbery had a significant impact on Donnarumma and his family. The incident raised concerns about the safety of footballers and their families, especially in urban settings like Paris. The incident also highlighted the criminal dynamics at work in large cities, where violent crimes can also involve public figures.
For Donnarumma, the robbery was a traumatic experience that marked a difficult moment in his career. Despite this, the goalkeeper continued to play with determination, demonstrating resilience and professionalism. Kherbouch's conviction represents an important step towards justice, even if it cannot completely erase the event.