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Welcome to SSEGU, the place where people come to get inspired and educated about the world. Hello family, and welcome back to another exciting article. Because you guys were excited when we mentioned it in our last article, we decided to look at the biggest bank robberies in history. Bank heists have evolved from gun-toting robbers to highly skilled tech experts pulling off intricate plans. We’ve dug around and found the 10 biggest successful bank robberies ever. Let’s get started!
10. Dunbar Armored Heist (1997) – $19 Million
One of the largest bank heists in U.S. history, this robbery was an inside job. Allen Pace, a regional safety inspector for Dunbar, planned the heist and recruited five of his childhood friends to ambush the guards at a cash drop vault on a Friday night. They loaded up a U-Haul and nearly got away with it all until one perpetrator got sloppy and confessed. Over half of the money remains unaccounted for to this day.
9. Brinks M80 Warehouse Robbery (1983) – $30 Million
On November 26, 1983, six men broke into Brinks' bank facility at Heathrow Airport and stole $30 million worth of diamonds, gold bullion, and cash. The robbery involved Anthony Black, the facility’s security guard, who helped the robbers. Initially, they planned to take only $3 million in cash, but their plans changed when they found three tons of gold bullion and diamonds. Although several murders have been linked to the case, the gold has never been recovered.
8. Northern Bank Heist (2004) – $50 Million
A few days before Christmas, robbers posing as officials entered the homes of two Northern Bank branch managers, holding them and their families at gunpoint. The next day, the managers were instructed to let the robbers into the bank at the end of their shift. The robbers left with $50 million, making it the largest bank heist in UK history. The crime remains unsolved, though many speculate it was the work of the Provisional IRA.
7. Banco Central Heist (2005) – $69.8 Million
In Brazil, thieves rented a commercial property, posing as landscapers, and spent three months digging a 256-foot tunnel into Banco Central. They stole $79.1 million over the weekend, giving them time to escape before authorities discovered the heist on Monday. More than 40 arrests were made, but only $8 million was recovered.
6. Great Train Robbery (1963) – $74 Million
This infamous heist involved 16 robbers intercepting a Royal Mail train full of high-value packages. They rigged the trackside signals to stop the train in a remote location and overpowered the conductor. The thieves took 120 of the 128 mail bags, worth $74 million. Although most of the robbers fled the country, the team was eventually tracked down.
5. Securitas Depot Heist (2006) – $92.5 Million
One of the largest cash robberies in British history, this heist took place in Kent, England. Men abducted the family of the bank’s manager, tied up 14 employees, and forced the manager to open the cash cages. They stole $92.5 million in banknotes. Most of the crew was later caught and convicted, but at least one robber is said to be living off the money in the West Indies.
4. Knightsbridge Security Deposit Heist (1987) – $200 Million
Italian criminal Valerio Vicci, already implicated in over 50 bank robberies, masterminded this heist. He and his accomplice entered the bank during business hours, threatened the staff, and called for backup to help open security boxes. They left with $200 million in cash, jewelry, and more. Vicci enjoyed a short period of freedom before being captured when he returned to Italy to pick up his Ferrari.
3. British Bank of the Middle East Heist (1976) – $210 Million
On January 20, 1976, a group associated with the Palestine Liberation Organization blasted through a wall shared with a Catholic Church to access the bank. They walked away with $50 million worth of gold, cash, stocks, and jewels, now valued at $210 million.
2. Dar El-Salam Bank Heist (2007) – $282 Million
In Baghdad, two bank guards organized this heist, stealing mostly American cash. The robbery happened overnight, and employees discovered the open vaults and missing money the next morning. The guards were arrested with a small portion of the money, but many details remain a mystery.
1. Central Bank of Iraq Heist (2003) – $920 Million
The biggest bank robbery in history involved no weapons. On March 18, 2003, almost $1 billion was stolen from the Central Bank of Iraq. Saddam Hussein’s son, Qusay, withdrew the money with a note signed by his father. It took over five hours to load the money onto trucks. Qusay was later killed by U.S. forces, and much of the money was recovered.
If you were to rob a bank, how would you do it and ensure you didn’t get caught? Share your mastermind plans in the comments! And remember, robbing banks is illegal. Thanks for spending time with us. Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an article. If you want more, head over to SSEGU for the best in fine living content.
Because you Read till the end, here’s a story everyone else missed. Paul Neversin, 61, walked into a bank, held a knife to the cashier’s neck, and asked to transfer the money into his account. He planned to fly out of the country but was caught because his name and information were on the transfer. This might be the most foolish bank robbery ever, rivaled only by those who flaunted their stolen cash on social media.
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