N7. Banco Central in Fortaleza: The “Underground” Work (2006) – $69.8 Million
This bank robbery was an innovative approach and made it one of the most successful bank robberies in the world.
Happened in 2005 in Brazil, where the thieves rented a commercial property in the middle of the city and posed as landscapers. Then the gang behind the robbery spent three months digging a 256-foot tunnel to a position beneath the bank.
The tunnel was equipped with wood-paneled walls and electric lights, leading from a house to Banco Central.
They took $79.1 million over the weekend, so the authorities couldn’t discover it until Monday, which gave these thieves a chance to run away with money.
More than 40 arrests were made, including the criminal mastermind Antonio de Araujob, but only $8 million was recovered.
