28-07-2025
Netflix Unveils the Secrets of the 'Heist of the Century' in Antwerp: The Biggest Diamond Theft Without a Single Shot
Waleed Farouk
On August 8, Netflix will premiere a new documentary titled "Stolen: Heist of the Century," shedding light on the largest diamond theft in modern history. The film revisits the infamous 2003 Antwerp Diamond Center heist, where an Italian gang made off with more than $100 million in jewels from the heart of Belgium's diamond district—outsmarting some of the world's most advanced security systems without firing a single shot.
A Perfectly Crafted Two-Year Plan
The documentary details what has been called the 'heist of the century.' Leonardo Notarbartolo led a team of five skilled thieves, executing a meticulously crafted plan that involved two years of preparation. They studied the site extensively, probing every possible weakness in its security, and ultimately penetrated the underground vault, then regarded as the most secure in the world.
Bypassing Ten Layers of Security
The gang overcame multiple formidable safeguards, including massive steel doors (weighing up to three tons), infrared and heat sensors, magnetic locks, and seismic alarms. Their ingenious tactics included spraying hairspray on sensors and covering magnetic locks with aluminum plates, allowing them to open over 100 safety deposit boxes without triggering any alarms.
Loot Still Not Fully Recovered
Belgian authorities later apprehended Notarbartolo and three of his accomplices, who received prison sentences ranging from five to ten years. However, most of the stolen diamonds have never been recovered, and one suspect remains at large.
Documentary Sources and Interviews
The film is based on the book "Flawless" by Scott Andrew Selby and Greg Campbell. It features exclusive interviews with the Antwerp detectives who led the investigation, as well as with Notarbartolo himself, who describes in his own words how he masterminded what he considers 'the perfect operation'.
The "School of Turin" and the Anatomy of a Heist
The documentary also explores the 'School of Turin,' a network of Italian professional thieves, each specializing in specific aspects such as lock-picking, alarm systems, disguise, and transportation. Every member played a defined role, emphasizing discipline and precision over brute force.
Significance and Lasting Impact
Decades later, the Antwerp diamond heist is still studied in the fields of security and major crimes. It stands as evidence that even the most sophisticated systems have flaws if faced by individuals with the necessary time and expertise. The enduring mystery of the missing loot and the nonviolent nature of the crime have fascinated media and filmmakers worldwide, setting the heist apart as a 'smart robbery' notable for its planning and creativity.
Ultimately, this case highlights vulnerabilities in security systems once considered state-of-the-art, prompting broader questions about the limits of technology against patient human ingenuity. These elements make it an ideal subject for documentaries and dramatic works seeking a blend of suspense and true crime.
read more
CBE: Deposits in Local Currency Hit EGP 5.25 Trillion
Morocco Plans to Spend $1 Billion to Mitigate Drought Effect
Gov't Approves Final Version of State Ownership Policy Document
Egypt's Economy Expected to Grow 5% by the end of 2022/23- Minister
Qatar Agrees to Supply Germany with LNG for 15 Years
Business
Oil Prices Descend amid Anticipation of Additional US Strategic Petroleum Reserves
Business
Suez Canal Records $704 Million, Historically Highest Monthly Revenue
Business
Egypt's Stock Exchange Earns EGP 4.9 Billion on Tuesday
Business
Wheat delivery season commences on April 15
News
Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters
Arts & Culture
"Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date
News
China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier
News
Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia
Videos & Features
Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall
Lifestyle
Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt
Business
Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs
Arts & Culture
South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle
Sports
Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results
News
"Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence"