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Stephen Alan's Jewellers - The Jewellery Blog
In crime history, few heists have captured the world's attention quite like the Antwerp diamond heist. Often referred to as the "heist of the century," this daring theft remains the largest diamond robbery of all time.
So, for this months blog post, we thought it was worth delving into the fascinating details of this remarkable event that unfolded in the heart of Antwerp, Belgium, during the weekend of February 15-16, 2003.
The Scene
Located two floors below the main floor in the heavily guarded and monitored Antwerp diamond district, the vault that housed the diamonds was a fortress of security.
Equipped with a myriad of protective measures, such as infrared heat detectors, a seismic sensor, Doppler radar, a magnetic field, and a lock with 100 million possible combinations, the vault seemed impregnable.
Moreover, the building itself boasted a private security force, making it a formidable challenge for any would-be thief.
The Heist
Masterminded by Leonardo Notarbartolo, a skilled criminal known for his expertise in social manipulation, the Antwerp diamond heist required meticulous planning over eighteen months.
Notarbartolo rented an office in the Antwerp World Diamond Centre, posing as an Italian diamond merchant to establish credibility and gain access to the vault.
The group employed a variety of ingenious methods to circumvent the intricate security systems. They conducted detailed surveillance, utilising covert cameras to capture images of the Diamond Centre and the vault.
By making frequent visits under the guise of a diamond merchant, Notarbartolo familiarised the security personnel with his presence, gradually lowering their guard.
The group even created a full-scale replica of the vault, thanks to the help of an insider diamond trader.
On the day of the heist, Notarbartolo visited the vault, ostensibly for a routine visit, and cleverly disabled the thermal-motion sensors by spraying women's hair spray on them. This temporary measure allowed the group to proceed without triggering the alarm. Meanwhile, his accomplices, disguised and armed with plastic gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints, overcame additional obstacles such as magnetic locks and surveillance cameras.
The theft itself was carried out with precision and speed. Using a hand-cranked drill, the "King of Keys" broke the locks on the security boxes, and the loot, comprising loose diamonds, gold, silver, and various types of jewellery valued at over $100 million, was swiftly emptied into duffel bags.
By 5:30 am, the group had completed the operation and made their escape, leaving investigators baffled.
The Aftermath
While the Antwerp diamond heist secured its place in criminal folklore, the story doesn't end there. Notarbartolo and his team attempted to dispose of the evidence, but their plans went awry. Notarbartolo's accomplice, overcome with panic, haphazardly discarded the incriminating materials in a nearby forest.
The subsequent discovery of the evidence by a local hunter, including envelopes from the Antwerp Diamond Centre, prompted an investigation that eventually led to the arrest of Notarbartolo.
Following a trial, Notarbartolo was found guilty and sentenced to 10 years in prison. However, he was released on parole in 2009. In 2013, he was re-arrested for violating parole conditions and served the remainder of his sentence until 2017. The other members of the group also received prison similar sentences.
The Mystery of the King of Keys
Among the members of the heist crew, the identity of the "King of Keys" remains a mystery to this day. This skilled key forger managed to escape apprehension by the police, leaving an enigma surrounding their true identity.
Insurance Fraud Allegations
Notarbartolo claimed that the heist was part of an insurance fraud scheme orchestrated by a diamond merchant. According to him, the stolen loot was worth approximately €18 million ($20 million), and the heist aimed to facilitate an insurance claim. However, due to the vault's lack of insurance coverage, his account raises doubts about the veracity of this claim.
Conclusion
The Antwerp diamond heist stands as a testament to the audacity and meticulous planning of its perpetrators. With its staggering value and intricate execution, this legendary robbery continues to capture the imagination of crime enthusiasts around the world.
Although most of the stolen diamonds remain unrecovered, the story of the Antwerp diamond heist serves as a reminder of both the allure and the consequences of daring criminal exploits.
As you're here...
Check out our other post about diamonds, Are Lab-Grown Diamonds the same as Natural Diamonds? and find out the real difference between natural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds.
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