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

  • Survey: 54% of Organizations Cite Technical Debt as Top Hurdle to Identity System Modernization

    Modernizing identity systems is proving difficult for organizations due to two key challenges: decades of accumulated Identity and Access Management (IAM) technical debt and the complexity of managing access across multiple identity providers (IDPs). These findings come from the new Strata Identity-commissioned report, State of Multi-Cloud Identity: Insights and Trends for 2025. The report, based on survey data from the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA), highlights trends and challenges in securing cloud environments. The CSA is the world’s leading organization dedicated to defining standards, certifications, and best practices to help ensure a secure cloud computing environment. Read Now

  • Study: Only 35 Percent of Companies Include Cybersecurity Teams When Implementing AI

    Only 35 percent of cybersecurity professionals or teams are involved in the development of policy governing the use of AI technology in their enterprise, and nearly half (45 percent) report no involvement in the development, onboarding, or implementation of AI solutions, according to the recently released 2024 State of Cybersecurity survey report from ISACA, a global professional association advancing trust in technology. Read Now

  • New Report Series Highlights E-Commerce Threats, Fraud Against Retailers

    Trustwave, a cybersecurity and managed security services provider, recently released a series of reports detailing the threats facing the retail sector, marking the second year of its ongoing research into these critical security issues. Read Now

  • Stay Secure in 2024: Updated Cybersecurity Tips for the Office and at Home

    Cyber criminals get more inventive every year. Cybersecurity threats continue to evolve and are a moving target for business owners in 2024. Companies large and small need to employ cybersecurity best practices throughout their organization. That includes security integrators, manufacturers, and end users. Read Now

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • 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. 3

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation. 3

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis. 3