Episode Details

In February 2003, the world watched in disbelief as thieves infiltrated the heavily guarded Antwerp Diamond Center, pulling off what was dubbed the "heist of the century". In this episode, we break down how a crew of Italian thieves known as "The School of Turin" bypassed infrared heat detectors, seismic sensors, and a lock with 100 million possible combinations to vanish with over $100 million in loose diamonds and gold.

We profile the mastermind, Leonardo Notarbartolo, who rented an office in the building for two years to prepare for the job, and his specialized team, including accomplices known only by aliases like "The Genius," "The Monster," and "The King of Keys". Listen in to learn about the sophisticated yet surprisingly low-tech methods they used to beat the system—from blinding sensors with hairspray and tape to using a polystyrene shield to mask body heat.

Finally, we discuss the team’s undoing: a garbage bag dumped in the woods containing a partially eaten salami sandwich that provided the DNA evidence needed to arrest Notarbartolo. We also examine the aftermath, including Notarbartolo’s prison sentence, his dubious claims that the robbery was actually insurance fraud, and the fact that most of the stolen loot remains unrecovered to this day.