Heists have always captured the human imagination as they symbolize defiance against established norms and a daring challenge to authority. Over the years, there have been some spectacular heists that have made headlines across the world, involving enormous sums of money, precious jewels, and other valuable assets. This article lists the top 10 most expensive heists in history, including the Central Bank of Iraq heist, the Antwerp Diamond heist, and the Hatton Garden Safe Deposit robbery. These heists, though illegal, have become a part of folklore and continue to fascinate people across the world, showcasing the audacity and skill of the robbers involved.

Top 10 Most Expensive Heists in History

Heists have always captured the human imagination as they symbolize defiance against established norms and a daring challenge to authority. Over the years, there have been some spectacular heists that have made headlines across the world. These heists involve enormous sums of money, precious jewels, and other valuable assets that make them all the more intriguing. Here is a list of the top 10 most expensive heists in history:

1. The Central Bank of Iraq Heist ($1 billion)

In 2003, a group of robbers made away with $1 billion worth of cash from the Central Bank of Iraq. The heist was carried out during the chaos of the Iraq war and involved stealing 100-dollar bills that weighed almost 40 pounds per bundle. While some of the money has been recovered, most of it still remains unaccounted for.

2. The Great Train Robbery ($66 million)

In 1963, a group of 15 men robbed a train carrying mail-bags containing £2.6 million in cash. The gang’s leader, Ronald Biggs, became a household name after the heist and remained a fugitive for over 30 years, eventually being captured and serving a prison sentence.

3. The Antwerp Diamond Heist ($100 million)

In 2003, a gang of robbers disguised as police officers entered the Diamond Center in Antwerp and made away with diamond rings, necklaces, and other valuables worth $100 million. The heist is considered one of the most audacious and well-executed robberies in history.

4. The Brink’s-Mat Robbery ($128 million)

In 1983, a group of robbers stole gold bullion, diamonds, and cash worth $128 million from the Brink’s-Mat warehouse at London’s Heathrow Airport. The robbers, who used guns and explosives, were eventually caught and sentenced to long prison terms.

5. The Knightsbridge Security Deposit Heist ($157 million)

In 1987, a group of robbers broke into the Knightsbridge Security Deposit vault in London and made away with cash, gold, and jewels worth £60 million (equivalent to $157 million today). The robbers tunnelled into the vault and remained undetected for several months before being caught.

6. The Dunbar Armored Robbery ($18.9 million)

In 1997, six men robbed the Dunbar Armored facility in Los Angeles and made away with cash worth $18.9 million. The robbers managed to disarm the guards and take control of the facility before making their escape. While most of the money has never been recovered, several of the robbers were eventually caught and sent to prison.

7. The Banco Central Burglary ($70 million)

In 2005, a group of criminals broke into the Central Bank of Brazil in Fortaleza and made away with more than $70 million. The robbers dug a 260-foot tunnel to reach the vaults and remained undetected for several months before being caught.

8. The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Theft ($500 million)

In 1990, two men dressed as police officers entered the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston and stole 13 valuable works of art, including paintings by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Degas, worth an estimated $500 million. The theft remains unsolved, and none of the artworks have ever been recovered.

9. The Carlton Hotel Robbery ($136 million)

In 2013, a group of robbers entered the Carlton Hotel in Cannes and made away with diamonds and other valuable jewellery worth €103 million (equivalent to $136 million today). The heist was carried out during the Cannes Film Festival, and the robbers managed to evade the police and escape with their loot.

10. The Hatton Garden Safe Deposit Robbery ($300 million)

In 2015, a group of elderly men broke into the Hatton Garden Safe Deposit Company in London and made away with cash, gold, diamonds, and other valuables worth £200 million (equivalent to $300 million today). The robbers used heavy drilling equipment to break into the vaults and remained undetected for several days before being caught.

Conclusion

These heists, though illegal, have become a part of folklore and continue to fascinate people across the world. Despite the significant losses suffered by individuals and organizations, the audacity, and skill of the robbers cannot be denied. It remains to be seen whether there will be more heists of this magnitude in the future, but one thing is for sure; they will always remain a part of our culture and imagination.