Millions in Stolen Diamonds Takeoff from Brussels Airport

Millions in Stolen Diamonds Takeoff from Brussels Airport

  • By Ginger Hill
  • Feb 20, 2013

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

  • Ransomware Attacks Rise for the First Time in Six Months

    Ransomware attacks have risen for the first time in six months, increasing by 28% month-on-month to 421 attacks. While overall attack volume remained below 500, the uptick may signal a renewed escalation heading into the year’s most active period for cyber criminals. Read Now

  • Report: 47 Percent of Security Service Providers Are Not Yet Using AI or Automation Tools

    Trackforce, a provider of security workforce management platforms, today announced the launch of its 2025 Physical Security Operations Benchmark Report, an industry-first study that benchmarks both private security service providers and corporate security teams side by side. Based on a survey of over 300 security professionals across the globe, the report provides a comprehensive look at the state of physical security operations. Read Now

    • Guard Services

  • Identity Governance at the Crossroads of Complexity and Scale

    Modern enterprises are grappling with an increasing number of identities, both human and machine, across an ever-growing number of systems. They must also deal with increased operational demands, including faster onboarding, more scalable models, and tighter security enforcement. Navigating these ever-growing challenges with speed and accuracy requires a new approach to identity governance that is built for the future enterprise. Read Now

  • Eagle Eye Networks Launches AI Camera Gun Detection

    Eagle Eye Networks, a provider of cloud video surveillance, recently introduced Eagle Eye Gun Detection, a new layer of protection for schools and businesses that works with existing security cameras and infrastructure. Eagle Eye Networks is the first to build gun detection into its platform. Read Now

  • Report: AI is Supercharging Old-School Cybercriminal Tactics

    AI isn’t just transforming how we work. It’s reshaping how cybercriminals attack, with threat actors exploiting AI to mass produce malicious code loaders, steal browser credentials and accelerate cloud attacks, according to a new report from Elastic. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.