Millions in Stolen Diamonds Takeoff from Brussels Airport

Millions in Stolen Diamonds Takeoff from Brussels Airport

As Brinks security guards completed the transfer of cut and uncut diamonds from their armored vehicle onto a Helvetic Airways jet on the Brussels Airport tarmac, passengers onboard were settling in, preparing for takeoff to Switzerland while the crew was going through the last of their safety checks. Suddenly, two vehicles, one a Mercedes van, both resembling police vehicles, sped up beside the plane with blue lights flashing.

A total of eight, gun-armed men, clad in police uniforms, faces covered with balaclavas, jumped out of the vehicles. The men forced the door of the plane open, removing about 120 packages. They loaded them into the Mercedes van and sped away through a hole in the security fence.

Anja Bijnes, a prosecuting official, said, “It was mostly diamonds. As far as we know, there was no gold.”

Fortunately, during this quick five minutes, no guns were fired; no injuries occurred; and according to Ine Van Wymersch of the Brussels prosecutor’s office, “the passengers saw nothing.”

The World Diamond Center (WDC) in Antwerp, Belgium represents the city’s jewel traders, and the organization estimated that the value of the stolen diamonds was at least $50 million.

Caroline de Wolf, WDC spokeswoman, refused to mention who owned the stolen diamonds, but she did say, “These were raw and cut diamonds from Antwerp, heading for Zurich and Switzerland. This is causing quite some unrest. It was incredible how easy it all went.”

Jan Van Der Cruysse, an airport spokesman, believed the thieves had cut the hole into the perimeter fence, but he was unable to explain why and how the area was so vulnerable.

“We abide by the most stringent [security] rules and meet all the requirements,” said Van Der Cryusse.

Source: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-belgium-heist-20130220,0,1574124.story

Infographic provided by theguardian, a UK news source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/feb/19/diamond-robbery-brussels-airport-plane

About the Author

Ginger Hill is Group Social Media Manager.

Featured

  • AI to Help Resolve Non-Emergency Calls Across Utah and Decrease 911 Caller Wait Times

    The Utah Communications Authority (UCA), which oversees the state’s next generation 911 technology services, recently announced that public safety answering points (PSAPs) throughout the state plan to implement Motorola Solutions’ Virtual Response technology to automate the receipt and resolution of 10-digit non-emergency line calls in Utah with the help of AI. Read Now

  • Report Reveals Local Governments Face Surge in Ransomware Attacks with Minimal Resources

    KnowBe4, the cybersecurity platform that comprehensively addresses human risk management, recently released new research highlighting the critical cybersecurity challenges facing state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments. The report details how government organizations have become prime targets for cybercriminals while simultaneously facing severe resource constraints. Read Now

  • Video Surveillance Trends to Watch

    With more organizations adding newer capabilities to their surveillance systems, it’s always important to remember the “basics” of system configuration and deployment, as well as the topline benefits of continually emerging technologies like AI and the cloud. Read Now

  • New Report Reveals Top Trends Transforming Access Controller Technology

    Mercury Security, a provider in access control hardware and open platform solutions, has published its Trends in Access Controllers Report, based on a survey of over 450 security professionals across North America and Europe. The findings highlight the controller’s vital role in a physical access control system (PACS), where the device not only enforces access policies but also connects with readers to verify user credentials—ranging from ID badges to biometrics and mobile identities. With 72% of respondents identifying the controller as a critical or important factor in PACS design, the report underscores how the choice of controller platform has become a strategic decision for today’s security leaders. Read Now

  • Overwhelming Majority of CISOs Anticipate Surge in Cyber Attacks Over the Next Three Years

    An overwhelming 98% of chief information security officers (CISOs) expect a surge in cyber attacks over the next three years as organizations face an increasingly complex and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven digital threat landscape. This is according to new research conducted among 300 CISOs, chief information officers (CIOs), and senior IT professionals by CSC1, the leading provider of enterprise-class domain and domain name system (DNS) security. Read Now

New Products

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area.

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.