The 5 Biggest Bank Robberies in History

Bank robberies have long been the stuff of legends, captivating our imaginations with tales of daring heists and elaborate schemes. From underground tunnels to audacious kidnappings, the history of bank robberies is filled with fascinating stories. Join us as we journey through time to explore history’s five biggest and most successful bank robberies.

5. Banco Central, Brazil - $71.6 Million

In 2005, the Banco Central in Fortaleza, Brazil fell victim to a highly organized heist in which a group of men posing as a landscaping business drilled a 256-foot tunnel into the bank’s vault and made off with an astounding $71.6 million in cash and valuables. Despite the intricate planning, authorities eventually tracked down and arrested several perpetrators, including the mastermind, Marcos Antonio Goncalves. Goncalves received a hefty 20-year prison sentence for his role in orchestrating the heist.

4. Securitas Depot, England - $83 Million

The Securitas Depot robbery in Kent, England, is one of the largest cash robberies in British history. In 2006, armed men kidnapped the bank manager and his family, forcing him to unlock the vault. They escaped with approximately $83 million. The investigation led to the apprehension of the robbers, including the mastermind Lee Murray, who received a 25-year prison sentence. While authorities recovered most of the stolen money, a substantial portion is still missing.

3. Knightsbridge Security Deposit, England - $97 Million

The Knightsbridge Security Deposit Robbery, also known as the “Lavender Hill Mob” heist, unfolded in London in 1987. Valerio Viccei, a notorious Italian criminal, posed as a wealthy Arab sheik to gain entry to the vault. Viccei tied up and threatened the staff before making away with $97 million in cash and valuables. Despite extensive efforts, Viccei managed to evade capture for years before finally being apprehended and sentenced to 22 years in prison.

2. Dar Es Salaam Bank, Iraq - $282 Million

In 2007, armed men robbed the Dar Es Salaam Bank in Baghdad, making off with a hefty $282 million. The circumstances surrounding the heist remain a mystery, but there are suspicions that the heist was executed by a group of bank guards. The robbers’ ability to navigate checkpoints undetected also suggests connections with local authorities. To this day, many questions about the robbery remain unanswered.

1. Central Bank of Iraq, Iraq - $920 Million

The largest bank robbery in history occurred on March 18, 2003, at the Central Bank of Iraq in Baghdad. In a stunning turn of events, on the eve of the Iraq War, Saddam Hussein ordered the withdrawal of nearly $920 million to safeguard the funds from the impending conflict. While the majority of the stolen funds were eventually recovered through raids, the saga took an unexpected twist. American soldiers tasked with counting the wealth succumbed to temptation, pocketing hundreds of thousands of dollars for themselves. Thirty-five service members were caught and held accountable for their actions.

These five bank robberies highlight the audacity and ingenuity of those who dare to challenge the security measures of financial institutions. While some perpetrators were brought to justice, others remain at large, leaving behind daring stories that continue to captivate our imagination.

Reference: The Top 10 Biggest Bank Robberies of All Time