In 2003, the city of Antwerp, Belgium, became the epicenter of one of the most audacious heists in history. A gang of thieves managed to infiltrate and rob the Antwerp Diamond Center, a location believed to be impenetrable. The documentary ‘Stolen: Heist of the Century’ meticulously unravels the details of this incredible crime, exploring the who, how, and why behind the daring operation. The Antwerp Diamond Center was renowned for its state-of-the-art security systems, making the heist all the more shocking. The center housed a vast collection of diamonds and precious gems, attracting dealers and buyers from around the globe. Its security measures were considered top-notch, including multiple layers of protection such as infrared heat detectors, radar, seismic sensors, a magnetic field, a private security force, and a direct line to the local police. Yet, despite these precautions, the thieves managed to bypass every obstacle. The documentary meticulously examines the planning and execution of the heist, revealing the intricate strategies employed by the criminals. It delves into the backgrounds of the individuals involved, exploring their motivations and expertise. The thieves, led by Leonardo Notarbartolo, spent months studying the Diamond Center’s security protocols. They rented an office space in the building to observe the daily routines and identify vulnerabilities. Notarbartolo, an Italian businessman, assembled a team of skilled criminals, each with their own area of expertise. One was a locksmith, another specialized in electronics, and another was a computer expert. Together, they devised a plan to disable the security systems and gain access to the vault. On the weekend of February 15-16, the team put their plan into action. They disabled the alarm system by spraying the heat and motion sensors with hairspray. They used a custom-made tool to open the vault door, which was protected by a combination lock with over 100 million possible combinations. Inside the vault, they found hundreds of safety deposit boxes filled with diamonds, gold, and other valuables. The thieves spent the entire weekend emptying the boxes, making off with an estimated $100 million worth of loot. The aftermath of the heist was chaotic. Authorities launched a massive investigation, working to piece together the events of that weekend. The thieves had left behind very little evidence, but investigators eventually found a bag of trash near Notarbartolo’s rented office. The trash contained DNA evidence linking Notarbartolo and his team to the crime. Notarbartolo was arrested and convicted of masterminding the heist. He was sentenced to ten years in prison, but was released on parole in 2009. Several other members of the team were also arrested and convicted, but much of the stolen loot was never recovered. ‘Stolen: Heist of the Century’ offers a comprehensive look at one of the most audacious crimes in history. It explores the meticulous planning, the daring execution, and the aftermath of the Antwerp Diamond Center heist, leaving viewers to ponder the audacity and ingenuity of the criminals involved.
Stolen: Heist of the Century (2025)
In 2003, a daring heist shook the world as a gang of thieves infiltrated the supposedly impenetrable Diamond Center in Antwerp. This documentary delves into the audacious robbery, exploring the masterminds behind the operation and the intricate planning that allowed them to pull off one of the largest diamond heists in history. It examines the security flaws, the meticulous strategies employed by the criminals, and the aftermath of the audacious crime that left authorities and the diamond industry reeling.
