Bodyguards are liable for the property losses of the rich and famous. AIG is suing Kim Kardashian West’s former security firm for $6.1 million (£4.67 million).
Pascal Duvier caused the 2016 robbery of Kardashian at Paris Fashion Week AIG alleges. AIG claims Duvier’s company left Kardashian vulnerable to robbery by leaving her alone in an apartment with millions of dollars’ worth of jewels, CNN reports.
Duvier, and his company Protect Security, “negligently, carelessly, and/or recklessly performed their protection, security, monitoring, inspection, and/or surveying of“ Kardashian, AIG’s suit charges. AIG reportedly sued Duvier in a US Court in the state of Delaware on 3 October 2018.
American International Group (AIG) like many large US companies headquarters in Delaware. Companies like AIG headquarter in the tiny state of Delaware because of low taxes.
Bodyguard negligence
Protect Security’s negligence included failing to correct several alleged security breaches, AIG charges.
The alleged breaches included no closed circuit television, a nonworking intercom, and a broken lock. In addition, the apartment building’s concierge “did not have any security training and/or background.”
Despite the breeches, Kardashian was carrying jewellery, valued at €9 million, when Duvier left her alone in the apartment. Instead of guarding the reality TV queen, a security detail apparently went to a nightclub with Kardashian’s sisters.
The well-organized robbers reportedly wore police uniforms and carried guns. They gained entry to Kardashian’s apartment by forcing the concierge, Abdulrahman, to take let them in. Interestingly, the robbers used bicycles as their getaway vehicles.
The lawsuit targets Duvier because he is the CEO of Protect Security, CNN reports. Duvier and Protect Security have guarded several celebrities including The Black-Eyed Peas and Ciara.
AIG lawsuit real aim
The goal of AIG’s lawsuit is not to recover claims paid, but to force security firms to do their job.
Notably, AIG’s lawsuit is for less than the reported value of the jewellery. The Paris prosecutor’s office claims Kardashian was carrying €9 million ($10.33 million or £7.91 million) worth of jewels, yet the suit is for $6.1 million.
If AIG’s claims are true, the robbery resulted from Protect Security’s negligence. Interestingly, documents about the suit fail to answer obvious questions about the robbery.
For instance, how did the robbers know where Kardashian was staying? In addition, how did the robbers know Kim was unguarded and carrying her jewels. That points to an obvious security breach at Protect Security or an “inside job.”
Notably, Kardashian’s chauffeur Michael Madar, and his brother Gary Madar, are among the 18 people arrested as suspects in the robbery, Vanity Fair reports. That arrest strengthens AIG lawsuit because it indicates Duvier failed to screen the chauffeur.
Where are Kim Kardashian’s Jewels?
Also unknown is the fate of the jewels, which reportedly included a €4 million ($4.49 million or £3.51 million) engagement ring. French media claims the crooks broke most of the pieces up and sold the jewels and precious metals in Antwerp, the American magazine People reports.
People identified the robbery’s mastermind as Aomar Ait Khedache. Surprisingly, Khedache claims Kardashian’s €4 million ring is still intact but did not say where it is.
Khedache’s claims may explain why AIG is only suing for $6.1 million. The insurer believes that recovery of the ring is still possible. Therefore, it may have only paid Kardashian for the other jewels. A strong possibility is that Khedache is trying to reduce his prison sentence by using the ring as a bargaining chip with prosecutors.
There is one certainty in the whole affair. Kim Kardashian West will probably pay a much higher insurance premium. The reality TV icon has demonstrated that she is a terrible insurance risk. Hopefully, Kardashian will hire a better grade of bodyguard.