The harrowing details of the armed robbery of $10 million in jewels from Kim Kardashian in Paris has created a media firestorm, and some are saying that's exactly what the reality star wanted.
Adding some fuel to doubters' fires: According to a report from TMZ on Tuesday, there was no surveillance video inside or outside the ultra-expensive, ultra-private hotel.
“How did Kardashian free herself from being tied up in the bathroom? Or who found Kardashian in the hotel room or bathroom? Where was her security and hotel security personnel or hotel security cameras,” wonders pivate investigator Patricia D’Orsa-Dijamco. “If this was a publicity stunt, she could be in big trouble for making a false police report. Does 'Ryan Lochte' sound familiar?”
Lochte is the U.S. swimmer who got in hot water at the Rio Olympics for claiming he was robbed at gunpoint, which later turned out not to be the case.
Police trial expert and former undercover DEA agent Michael Levine said when he first heard of the reality star’s traumatic ordeal he initially thought the Kardashian robbery could be an elaborate hoax.
“It was one of the first possibilities that occurred to me. By now the French police might have a good idea of this," he said. "However, I'm certain they will say nothing. They have enough problems.”
Levine said Paris has more pressing law enforcement issues. “The amount of terrorism problems, threats and investigations ongoing in France right now likely has every man and woman with a badge working double-time, so if you wanted to run a hoax or publicity stunt, and I am not saying that is what they did, but France would be the place to do it,” Levine said.
An NYPD detective told FOX411 that while the robbery sounds legit to him, there may have been some embellishing around the edges.
“Most likely they knew she was staying there, and cased the spot, but it’s more likely they are blowing the story up for publicity because she has a huge security detail," the detective said. "She most likely has something new that’s going to happen.”
The new season of “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” debuts on October 23.
However, pop culture expert Lex Jurgen at gossip site WWTDD.com doubts the events were made up, rightly noting that Kardashian is not hurting for attention.
“She has so many ways to get publicity that don’t involve her getting arrested for lying to the police," Jurgen said. "She could lose her top at Fashion Week and get 10 million SEO hits."
FOX411 reached out to the local Paris police department but did not receive comment.
Kardashian’s rep told FOX411 in a statement: "Kim Kardashian West was held up at gunpoint inside her Paris hotel room this evening, by two armed masked men dressed as police officers. She is badly shaken but physically unharmed."