Seven Men to Face Trial for Violent Home-Jackings, Including Singer Vitaa’s
Seven men are to be sent to trial for their alleged involvement in three violent home-jackings that occurred in December 2023, including one at the residence of French singer Vitaa in the Paris region. The decision was made public on Saturday, March 14, 2026, by a source close to the investigation as reported by Le Parisien.
Traumatic Intrusions and a “Drawer” System
The magistrate overseeing the case emphasized the “particularly traumatic” nature of these burglaries, as they were carried out while residents were present according to France3 Régions. The investigation revealed a structured criminal network, described as a “drawer” system, where individuals already incarcerated for other offenses recruited perpetrators through Snapchat using untraceable phones.
How the Crimes Were Planned
The team utilized Snapchat to identify potential targets, gathering information from victims’ Instagram accounts, Google Street View, and official company records (K-bis files). They discussed entry strategies, targeted valuables, and communicated in real-time during the attacks.
The Home-Jacking at Vitaa’s Residence
Between December 20th and 21st, 2023, three homes were targeted. At Vitaa’s home in Rueil-Malmaison, two individuals forcibly entered the property by breaking windows and subsequently held the singer, her partner, and their four children (ranging in age from 20 months to 18 years) captive, threatening them with a baseball bat. The suspects are believed to have stolen approximately €50,000 worth of jewelry and luxury goods as detailed in Le Parisien. Vitaa was prescribed 40 days of recovery, and her teenage daughter required 45 days of medical leave.
Further Accusations and Legal Proceedings
Two of the alleged perpetrators are also accused of attempting a home-jacking at another residence the following day, and face charges in connection with a third violent theft involving a third suspect. Two alleged masterminds face charges of complicity in attempted theft with a weapon, complicity in theft with a weapon, theft with violence by an organized gang, complicity in kidnapping, and criminal association. Another individual, accused of providing vehicles for the operation, has been cleared of complicity charges.
Previous Crimes and Defense Arguments
Several of the defendants have prior records for similar offenses. Notably, two brothers are implicated in an attempted theft at the home of the late singer Jane Birkin shortly after her death in July 2023. Joseph Hazan, a lawyer representing one of the accused, stated that the referral to the assize court may be influenced by the prominence of the victims, but questioned the strength of the evidence linking his client to the crimes as reported by Le Parisien.