N4. Knightsbridge Security Deposit: The “Italian” Work (1987) – $200 million
Planned by the Italian playboy and famous criminal, Valerio Viccei, this bank heist took place in July of 1987.
The mastermind was already implicated in over fifty different bank robberies during his life time.
The plan of this robbery was simple, after entering the bank during business hours, under the motive of opening a safety deposit box, he and his armed accomplice began by threatening the manager and staff into submission with handguns.
Then, after the control of the bank was gained, Viccei called for backup and his guys came to help to open as much of the vault as possible.
They have left with at least $200 million in cash, jewelry, and more. Viccei enjoyed a short period of freedom by fleeing to South America, but was later captured when he returned to his homeland to ship his Ferrari.
