Criminals Who Pulled Off the Perfect Crime
Some crimes are sloppy, but others are almost beautiful. They leave investigators scratching their heads while the criminals sip champagne somewhere far away.
From jewel heists to disappearing art, these masters of mischief slipped past cameras, alarms, and human error, executing plans so precise it feels like watching magic in motion. Some walked out with fortunes, others vanished entirely, leaving behind only whispered legends.
These moments showcase audacity, absurd cleverness, and scenes so cinematic that even cops might secretly admire them, proving that when it comes to criminal genius, sometimes the perfect crime exists, and it is almost impossible to stop.
Pierre Hotel Robbery (New York, 1972)
Thieves calmly looted luxury suites at night, stealing $27 million in jewels and cash without alerting guests.
NOKAS Robbery (Stavanger, 2004)
David Toska led a well-planned raid on NOKAS, stealing millions in cash with inside knowledge and organized precision.
Great Clock Robbery (Jerusalem, 1983)
Naaman Diller tunneled into a museum, stole 106 antique clocks and watches, and many pieces were never recovered.
Hatton Garden Heist (London, 2015)
Elderly burglars drilled into a vault over Easter weekend, stole £29 million in jewels, and baffled investigators.
Gerald Blanchard Jewel Thefts (Europe, 1998–2006)
Gerald Blanchard pilfered rare jewels across European museums using sleight-of-hand and forgeries; several items remain missing.
Banco Río Robbery (Argentina, 2006)
Armed robbers tunneled into the bank, stole millions, and escaped through the sewers during a hostage standoff.
Lufthansa Heist (New York, 1978)
Mobsters stole $5 million in cash and jewels from JFK Airport; most money and culprits vanished.
Colombian Emerald Thief (Muzo & Chivor, 1970s–80s)
A skilled criminal stole gems from emerald mines amid weak law enforcement, disappearing with priceless loot.
Mt. Gox Bitcoin Hack (Internet, 2014)
Hackers absconded with 850,000 Bitcoins worth hundreds of millions; most coins remain unrecovered in digital wallets.
Knightsbridge Safe Deposit Heist (London, 1987)
Valerio Viccei and his crew stole millions from safe deposit boxes; most of the loot was never recovered.
Brink’s-Mat Gold Heist (Heathrow, 1983)
Thieves stole 7,000 gold bars and diamonds; much of $40 million treasure disappeared after laundering.
Brazil Mint Tunnel Robbery (Fortaleza, 2005)
Criminals tunneled 80 meters into the mint, stole 164 million reais, and left no camera evidence behind.
Great Train Robbery (England, 1963)
A gang intercepted a mail train and stole 2.6 million pounds; mastermind “The Master” eluded capture.
Louvre Museum Robbery Attempt (Paris, 1911)
Vincenzo Peruggia stole the Mona Lisa, hiding it under his coat; painting recovered two years later.
D.B. Cooper Skyjacking (Pacific Northwest, 1971)
After demanding $200,000 and four parachutes, Cooper jumped from a Boeing 727 and disappeared forever.
Schiphol Armored Truck Robbery (Amsterdam, 2005)
Four men in KLM uniforms hijacked a truck carrying $118 million in diamonds and vanished.
MoMA Paris Art Theft (Paris, 2010)
Vjeran Tomic climbed a building, broke a window, and stole Picasso, Matisse, Modigliani artworks worth 100 million euros.
Antwerp Diamond Heist (Antwerp, 2003)
Leonardo Notarbartolo bypassed a vault with 100-million-combination lock, Doppler radar, and seismic sensors to steal over $100 million.
Isabella Stewart Gardner Heist (Boston, 1990)
Two disguised men tied up guards and stole 13 priceless paintings, including Vermeer and Rembrandt, still missing today.