With thousands of large depositors in Cyprus losing as much as 40% of their money to bail out a near-bankrupt government, it brings to mind the legendary words of bank robber Willie Sutton, “I rob banks because that’s where the money is.” Willie may be credited with saying these words, but his career earnings (estimated at $2 million) pale by comparison to the 10 most incredible bank heists in history.
Here’s a list
- Saddam Hussein Steals 1 Billion from the Iraq Bank in 2003
- Bank Guards Steal $300 Million from Iraq Bank 2007
- Kent Security Depot Robbery of $92.5 Million 2006
- Knightsbridge Security Deposit Robbery of $98 Million 1987
- The Reichsbank Robbery in Berlin (estimated at $3 Billion)
- Banco Central burglary at Fortaleza 2005 $94 Million
- The Great Train Robbery 1963 (modern equivalent of $74 Million)
- Northern Bank Robbery of 2004 $45 Million
- Brinks Mat Warehouse Robbery 1983 $42 Million
- Dunbar Armored Car Robbery 1987 $19 Million
According to bank sources in Iraq, even Saddam Hussein had to back up the truck to the Iraq bank to remove the cash. According to witnesses, boxes of $100 bills were loaded into trucks over a five hour period. Wow – that sounds pretty labor intensive.
Fast forward to 2013 – no trucks required. All it takes is the press of a button or two. If the European Union is successful in getting Cyprus banks to charge levies of between 6.75% – 9.9% on people’s savings, it should shoot them to the top of the list, easily dethroning Saddam Hussein.
This would, without a doubt, rank as the number 1 bank heist in history – so much for money being safe.
You wonder why people are afraid of banks and keep money under their mattresses.
So here’s a question. Do you think something like this could happen in the United States? In my opinion, no way! They’d just print more money. Unfortunately for the people of Cyprus they have no such option.
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