In May 1990, on an average Wednesday morning, bank courier John Goddard was ambushed at knifepoint while carrying his briefcase in the City of London. The case contained 301 City bonds valued at £292 million, which would equate to around £850 million today. Despite efforts by the City of London Police, the thief’s trail quickly went cold.
This incident, known as the largest heist in British history, remained largely unknown until it became the focus of a Crime+Investigation documentary series hosted by Marcel Theroux. The intricate scheme involved a collaboration between the New York mafia, the IRA, and Colombian drug lords. The mastermind behind the plan remains a mystery, with only low-level criminal Patrick Thomas, who allegedly executed the theft, meeting a fatal end due to suspicions of possessing crucial information.
Keith Cheeseman, the sole individual convicted in connection to the heist for conspiracy to launder the bonds, revealed in an exclusive interview with The Mirror that the actual stolen amount exceeded the reported £292 million, reaching approximately £427 million. Cheeseman, now residing in Turkey, claimed innocence, stating he was unaware of the robbery until it occurred, suggesting an internal orchestration within the bank.
The intricate web of criminals involved in the heist included infamous personalities like Cheeseman, Raymond Ketteridge, and Texan businessman Mark Osborne, who delivered the bonds to Mafia figure Tony Dipiono in New York. The plan unraveled when Dipiono was revealed to be an undercover FBI agent, leading to Osbourne exposing his associates, resulting in Cheeseman’s conviction.
The documentary sheds light on the complex network of criminals and the allure of a life of crime, as narrated by Cheeseman and other individuals connected to the heist. Despite various speculations and beliefs about the true culprits, the mystery remains unsolved, leaving the stolen funds unaccounted for.
The enduring intrigue surrounding the heist continues to captivate audiences, drawing attention to the audacious nature of the crime and the enigmatic figures involved. The Crime+Investigation documentary promises to unveil new insights into this unprecedented event in London’s history.