The biggest bank heists the world has ever seen
Bank heists have long captured the public’s imagination, with tales of audacious criminals and clever schemes. These events often highlight not just the human quest for wealth, but also the ingenuity and risks involved.
From the planning stages to the thrilling execution, bank heists offer stories of both success and downfall. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most daring heists in history that have left an indelible mark on our collective consciousness.
The Great Train Robbery of 1963
In the early hours of August 8, 1963, a group of 15 men executed one of the most famous heists in British history. They intercepted a Royal Mail train at Bridego Railway Bridge in Ledburn, Buckinghamshire, making off with £2.6 million.
Led by Bruce Reynolds, the gang used a fake signal to stop the train and overpowered the crew. Although the plan was meticulously crafted, most of the robbers were eventually caught, with varying prison sentences (including 30-year sentences for the top conspirators).
The Banco Central Heist in Fortaleza
The Banco Central Heist in Fortaleza, Brazil, in 2005 is one for the history books. Over the course of five months, a gang dug a 78-meter (260 feet) tunnel from a rented property to the bank’s vault. They managed to steal around 157 million Brazilian reais, equivalent to almost $70 million at the time.
The heist was so audacious that it inspired films and documentaries. Despite the careful planning, several culprits were eventually apprehended, though a significant portion of the money remains unaccounted for.
The Infamous Brink’s-Mat Robbery
The Brink’s-Mat robbery, occurring on November 26, 1983, at Heathrow International Trading Estate, was initially meant to be a cash heist. However, the six robbers stumbled upon a £26 million haul in gold bullion, diamonds, and cash.
The operation was inside-driven, with security guard Anthony Black being a key accomplice. This heist led to a series of investigations and violent crimes as the criminals tried to launder the gold, making it one of the UK’s most notorious robberies.
The Dar Es Salaam Bank Heist in Baghdad
In 2007, Baghdad witnessed one of the largest bank heists ever when approximately $282 million was stolen from the Dar Es Salaam Bank. The heist was reportedly executed by guards responsible for protecting the bank, highlighting a breach of trust.
This massive theft took place amidst the chaos of the Iraq War, making investigations difficult. Despite the enormity of the stolen amount, the culprits were never apprehended, and the case remains unsolved to this day.
The Northern Bank Robbery in Belfast
On December 20, 2004, the Northern Bank in Belfast became the target of a meticulously planned robbery. Armed men entered the homes of two bank officials, holding their families hostage to ensure cooperation.
The criminals walked away with £26.5 million, making it one of the largest bank heists in the UK. Despite extensive investigations, the case remains unsolved. Speculation about the IRA’s involvement added a layer of intrigue, though no concrete evidence has been provided.
The Great Hatton Garden Safe Deposit Burglary
In 2015, a group of elderly criminals, later dubbed the ‘Bad Grandpas,’ pulled off the Hatton Garden Safe Deposit burglary in London. They meticulously drilled into the vault over the Easter weekend, stealing valuables worth an estimated £14 million.
The heist was notable not only for the age of the perpetrators but also for the use of traditional methods in a tech-savvy era. Most of the gang members were eventually caught, with their trial capturing public interest.
The Lufthansa Heist at JFK Airport
On December 11, 1978, the Lufthansa cargo building at JFK Airport in New York was the site of a daring heist. The robbery was orchestrated by James Burke, an associate of the Lucchese crime family, and resulted in the theft of around $5 million in cash and $875,000 in jewelry.
This heist was immortalized in pop culture, notably in the film Goodfellas. Despite the heist’s success, subsequent paranoia led to the deaths of several involved as Burke sought to cover his tracks.
The Banco RÃo Robbery in Argentina
The 2006 Banco RÃo robbery in Buenos Aires was executed with a flair reminiscent of Hollywood heist films. The robbers entered the bank during business hours, taking 23 hostages. Meanwhile, they secretly tunneled into the vault from a nearby storm drain, escaping with nearly $20 million in cash and valuables.
Their cunning plan and theatrical execution turned it into a media sensation. The heist’s mastermind, Fernando Araujo, was eventually caught, but the robbery remains a symbol of criminal creativity.
The Knightsbridge Security Deposit Robbery
The Knightsbridge Security Deposit robbery in 1987 is remembered for its audacity and scale. Led by Italian playboy Valerio Viccei, the gang gained access to the vault by posing as customers.
They took control and looted safety deposit boxes, stealing an estimated £60 million (the equivalent of $98 million). The heist was so bold that it attracted international attention. Viccei fled to South America but was later apprehended in Venezuela and extradited to the UK, where he was sentenced to 22 years in prison. He was deported to Italy to serve the rest of his sentence in 1992, but lost his life in a gunfight in 2000.
The United California Bank Burglary
The United California Bank burglary in 1972 saw a group of experienced criminals, known as the ‘Dinner Set Gang,’ break into the bank’s vault in Laguna Niguel. They successfully stole an estimated $9 million, making it one of the largest heists in American history at the time. The ringleader has since claimed he was specifically targeting Richard Nixon’s campaign contributions.
The gang’s experience in high-end burglaries contributed to their success, but law enforcement eventually caught up with them after they tried a similar crime in Ohio. The heist is often cited as one of the most well-executed in U.S. history.
The Securitas Depot Robbery in Kent
In 2006, the Securitas Depot in Kent, UK, was the target of Britain’s largest cash robbery. The criminals abducted the depot manager and his family, using them to gain access to the secure facility.
They made off with nearly £53 million, a staggering sum that shocked the nation. The robbery involved extensive planning and the use of fake police uniforms. Although several gang members were later arrested and convicted, the whereabouts of much of the stolen money remain unknown.
Spaggiari’s Société Générale Bank Heist in Nice
The 1976 Société Générale bank heist in Nice, led by Albert Spaggiari, was a masterclass in criminal ingenuity. The gang spent two months digging a tunnel to access the bank’s vault, famously leaving a note reading, ‘Without weapons, neither hatred, nor violence.’
They escaped with an estimated 46 million francs. Spaggiari’s subsequent capture and dramatic courtroom escape only added to his notoriety. Despite the heist’s success, much of the stolen loot was never recovered, cementing the heist as a legendary criminal feat.
