The 21st century has seen some of the most audacious and well-planned bank heists in history. These robberies not only involved huge sums of money but also showcased the increasing sophistication of criminal activities. Here’s a look at some of the biggest bank robberies of the 21st century and the tales of cunning and intrigue behind them.
1. The Banco Central Burglary (2005)
In August 2005, a gang of thieves in Fortaleza, Brazil, pulled off one of the largest bank heists ever recorded. They tunneled into the Banco Central and made away with approximately $70 million. This meticulously planned operation involved renting a property near the bank and digging a tunnel stretching almost 256 feet directly into the bank's vault. Despite the complex nature of the crime, several arrests were made, but much of the money was never recovered.
2. The Dar Es Salaam Bank Heist (2007)
In 2007, Baghdad witnessed a staggering theft of $282 million from the Dar Es Salaam Bank. This robbery is particularly notable for its scale and the mystery surrounding it. It’s believed that the bank’s own guards were involved, making it an inside job. Despite the massive sum stolen, the case remains largely unresolved, with the money disappearing without a trace.
3. The Hatton Garden Heist (2015)
Over the Easter weekend in 2015, a group of elderly men, dubbed the “Bad Grandpas,” executed a daring heist in London’s Hatton Garden. They broke into the Hatton Garden Safe Deposit Company and looted safe deposit boxes, stealing an estimated $20 million worth of cash, jewelry, and other valuables. This heist was notable not just for the value stolen but for the age and background of the thieves, many of whom had been involved in criminal activities for decades.
4. The Bank of Iraq Robbery (2003)
Just before the US invasion of Iraq in 2003, an astonishing $1 billion was looted from the Central Bank of Iraq. Allegedly orchestrated by Saddam Hussein, the heist involved moving massive amounts of cash, requiring the use of trucks. While some of the money was later recovered, much of it remains unaccounted for, making it one of the largest bank robberies in history.
5. The Banco Itaú Heist (2011)
In 2011, thieves tunneled their way into a branch of Banco Itaú in São Paulo, Brazil, stealing over $60 million. The elaborate scheme took several months to execute, involving digging a tunnel from a rented property to the bank. This heist mirrored the Banco Central burglary in its execution and highlighted the continued use of old-school methods in modern heists.
Conclusion
These robberies highlight the lengths to which criminals will go to steal enormous sums of money. While many of these heists involved intricate planning and execution, they also underscore the importance of robust security measures in banks.
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References
- BBC News - Banco Central Burglary
- CNN - Dar Es Salaam Bank Heist
- The Guardian - Hatton Garden Heist
- The New York Times - Bank of Iraq Robbery
- Reuters - Banco Itaú Heist
