Bank robberies have long captivated the public, thanks to their high stakes and elaborate schemes. While Hollywood often glamorizes these heists, real-life robberies involve significant risks and complexities. From meticulously crafted tunnels to audacious kidnappings, the biggest heists in history serve as stark reminders of the boldness required. Below, we present the top 10 largest bank robberies ever attempted.
10. The Dunbar Armored Robbery (1997)
Stolen: $18.9 million
In 1997, Allen Pace orchestrated the largest cash heist in U.S. history. He used his insider knowledge at Dunbar Armored to time security cameras and recruited five childhood friends for assistance. The gang successfully stole $18.9 million, but police later caught them after one robber spent marked bills.
9. The United California Bank Heist (1972)
Stolen: $30 million
Amil Dinsio, a professional criminal, led his crew of six in a meticulously planned heist. They dynamited their way into the vault at United California Bank and stole $30 million. However, they left behind fingerprints, and a tip from a taxi driver eventually led police to their arrest.
8. The British Bank of the Middle East Robbery (1976)
Stolen: $20-50 million
During the chaos of the Lebanese Civil War, a group of robbers identified an opportunity. They used explosives to break into the British Bank of the Middle East through a church wall. After stealing $44.5 million in cash, gold, and jewels, the robbers vanished without a trace. Consequently, authorities never recovered the loot.
7. The Northern Bank Robbery (2004)
Stolen: $41 million
In December 2004, robbers in Belfast kidnapped two bank managers and held their families hostage. The next day, the robbers forced the managers to let them into the bank, where they stole £26.5 million (around $41 million). Despite extensive investigations, authorities have made only one arrest related to money laundering.
6. The Brink’s-Mat Burglary (1983)
Stolen: $41 million
This notorious heist in London began as an inside job. A security guard at Brink’s-Mat allowed a group of robbers into the warehouse. Initially expecting cash, the gang instead discovered £26 million in gold and diamonds. Although police caught most of the gang, much of the stolen gold remains unaccounted for today.
5. The Banco Central Burglary (2005)
Stolen: $71.6 million
In 2005, a gang in Fortaleza, Brazil, spent months digging a tunnel to the Banco Central vault. Once they gained access, they stole 160 million Brazilian real, worth $71.6 million. Although police arrested several individuals, the vast majority of the money remains missing.
4. The Securitas Depot Robbery (2006)
Stolen: $83 million
The largest cash robbery in British history involved the kidnapping of the depot manager and his family. Using disguises and insider information, the robbers forced the manager to grant them access to the facility. They stole £53 million in cash, but authorities later arrested many of the criminals, even as some of the money remains missing.
3. The Knightsbridge Security Deposit Robbery (1987)
Stolen: $97 million
Valerio Viccei, an infamous Italian criminal, posed as a customer renting a safe deposit box at the Knightsbridge Security Deposit in London. Once inside, he and his accomplice overpowered the staff and let other robbers in. They looted millions from the deposit boxes. Ultimately, police arrested Viccei after he returned to the UK to retrieve his Ferrari.
2. The Dar Es Salaam Bank Heist (2007)
Stolen: $282 million
This Baghdad-based heist remains one of the largest unsolved robberies. Allegedly, bank guards orchestrated the theft, making off with $282 million in cash. Authorities have yet to track the culprits, and none of the stolen money has been found.
1. The Central Bank of Iraq Robbery (2003)
Stolen: $920 million
In 2003, a large-scale theft occurred at the Central Bank of Iraq when trucks carried nearly $1 billion in cash. Shortly before the Iraq War began, high-level insiders authorized the transfer to secure the funds. While much of the money was recovered during subsequent raids, a significant amount remains unaccounted for.
Conclusion
These daring robberies demonstrate the lengths criminals will go for a massive payday. Although some managed to evade justice for a while, most eventually faced arrest. This serves as a reminder that the allure of quick cash often proves short-lived. Ultimately, financial security is best achieved through legal means such as wise investments and responsible saving.
