New Delhi: We have seen in web series or movies like Dhoom, Money Heist, and more how bank robberies have been successful. There have been instances in real history where bank robberies have been recorded well.
Heists are often conducted by experienced criminals or individuals with inside knowledge of the security systems of the targeted buildings or institutions. High levels of professionalism and meticulous organisation characterise successful heists. They focus on executing the operation quickly and precisely rather than relying on brute force or violence to achieve their objectives.
In this article, let us look at history’s top 5 bank robberies.
Top 5 bank robberies
1. The Central Bank of Iraq robbery
Stolen: Over $920 million
On the day before the Iraq War in 2003, the Central Bank of Iraq in Baghdad was robbed of nearly $920 million in cash. Saddam Hussein and his son Qusay sent three large trucks to the bank with a handwritten request to withdraw almost one billion dollars. They aimed to protect the money from potential enemies. Although most of the stolen money was later recovered through well-planned raids, there was a surprising turn of events. Some American soldiers who were responsible for counting the stolen money also took hundreds of thousands of dollars for themselves and their families. In the end, 35 soldiers were caught and punished for their actions. This incident goes down in history as the largest bank robbery ever and stands as a significant loss for the Iraqi people.
Source: chards.co.uk
2. The Dar Es Salaam Bank Heist
Stolen: $282 million
The Dar Es Salaam Bank in Baghdad was robbed in 2007 by armed men who stole $282 million in cash and valuables. The details of the robbery remain a mystery, including why such a large amount of American currency was taken. Reports suggest that the thieves may have had inside help from bank guards and connections to local police and militias, allowing them to pass through Baghdad’s many checkpoints undetected.
Source: chards.co.uk
3. The Knightsbridge Security Deposit Robbery
Stolen: $97 million
The Knightsbridge Security Deposit Robbery, known as the “Lavender Hill Mob” heist, happened on July 12, 1987, in London, England. A single person pretended to be a wealthy Arab sheikh to enter the Knightsbridge Safe Deposit Center, a highly secure vault. The robber tied up and threatened the staff, then took approximately £70+ million in cash, jewellery and other valuables. The robber, later identified as Valerio Viccei, an infamous Italian criminal, managed to complete the robbery successfully despite the presence of several security measures. Viccei bypassed the alarm systems and gained access to the supposedly impenetrable vault. He avoided being caught for many years, and the stolen items were never recovered, but in 1990, Viccei was finally arrested in London. He then received a 22-year prison sentence. Later, he was transferred to Italy, where he served additional time for other crimes.
Source: chards.co.uk
4. The Securitas Depot Robbery
Stolen: $83 million
In 2006, there was a big robbery in Kent, England. Men with masks and guns kidnapped the manager of a place where money is kept, as well as his wife and child. They made the manager open the establishment and stole £53 million, approximately USD 83 million. The police investigated and found some of the robbers, including the main person behind the plan. They also got most of the stolen money back, but some were not found. The robbers got long prison sentences. The main person behind the crime, Lee Murray, got 25 years in prison. During the trial, it all came out how the crime was planned and done.
Source: chards.co.uk
5. The Banco Central Burglary
Stolen: $71.6 million (£53.7 million)
In 2005, a group of 15 men robbed the Banco Central in Fortaleza, Brazil, by drilling a tunnel into the bank’s vault and stealing $71.6 million in cash and valuables. The police investigated the 2005 Banco Central robbery and arrested several of the robbers, including the mastermind, Marcos Antonio Goncalves. The mastermind, Marcos Antonio Goncalves, received a 20-year prison sentence for his involvement in the robbery. The trial revealed the extensive planning and effort put into the crime. This robbery remains one of the largest in Brazil’s history.
Source: chards.co.uk
The top 5 biggest bank robberies showcase daring criminals who went to great lengths to make a quick fortune. Many of these remain unsolved despite law enforcement efforts, reminding us of the importance of secure banking practices. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
