The Antwerp Diamond Heist

In 2003, thieves breached the Antwerp Diamond Center vault and stole valuables worth more than $100 million. Several participants were convicted, but most of the loot was never recovered.

A vault built to resist intrusion

During the weekend of 15–16 February 2003, thieves entered the underground vault of the Antwerp Diamond Center, one of the most heavily protected locations in the global diamond trade. More than one hundred safe-deposit boxes were opened.

The scale of the theft

Diamonds, gold, jewelry, cash and securities worth more than $100 million were reported stolen. The sophistication of the break-in earned it the nickname “heist of the century,” because the thieves bypassed multiple layers of physical and electronic security.

A small piece of discarded evidence

The investigation gained momentum after material connected to the operation was found discarded away from the scene. That evidence helped police identify Leonardo Notarbartolo and other members of the group.

Convictions, but missing loot

Notarbartolo received a 10-year sentence and other participants were also convicted. Most of the stolen property was never recovered, and questions about unidentified accomplices and the precise method used to defeat every security system continue to give the case an unresolved edge despite the convictions.