N3.British Bank of the Middle East: The “Brute” Force (1976) – $210 million
We couldn’t just ignore this bank heist because it continued for a week, while the Lebanon’s civil war occurred.
On January 20, 1976, a group associated with the Palestine Liberation Organization used brute force to gain access into the bank by blasting through a wall that was shared with a Catholic Church.
Once finished, they reportedly walked away with up to $50 million worth of gold, cash, stocks, and jewels.
Today, the stolen loot is valued at over three times its worth in 1976, equivalent to about $210 million.
Still, it is one of the most successful bank robberies in history, ranking 3rd on our list.
