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February 15th 2003: one of the world’s most secure vaults is raided. It’s the diamond centre in Antwerp Belgium. The thieves escape with over a quarter of a billion pounds worth of gems, cash and valuables. Heists s1e3: Antwerp Diamond Centre, Channel 5 2017
The perfect crime until an unbelievable discovery is made. ibid.
The biggest payload in criminal history. ibid.
Once his cover story that he’s a gem dealer has been accepted Notarbartolo’s next step is to gain the trust of the security staff and slowly build up the intelligence he needs. ibid.
The thieves have chosen the only place in Belgium where the dumping of rubbish will result in the police being called. ibid.
We said no stocks and bonds. Just cash and jewellery. Salamander I, robber to robber in bank vault, BBC 2014
There’s a traitor in our midst. ibid. bank manager
You seem to have trodden in some very dangerous shit. Salamander II, Martin to Paul
I do think it’s strange. I really do. Our people are everywhere. We have 720 members who are with goodness knows how many banks. ibid. woman at meeting
All their secrets are now in the wrong hands. If that’s exploited, the country won’t survive. Salamander III, DPP to minister
I just hate him being gone all the time. But that’s the way I am. Salamander IV, wife to daughter
We need to know who’s behind this. Knowledge of what was in those safes could be used to destroy the country. ibid. DPP
You don’t get to where I am now without political support. Salamander V, DPP
Salamander is much more than that. It’s about 720 people in leading positions. ibid.
Rasenberg has a member of the Royal Family by the balls if I may put it so crudely. Prince Olivier. Gerardi found evidence of this in Rasenberg’s safe. Salamander VI, DPP
Mrs Rasenberg gave me away. My wife’s been murdered, Carl. And no-one’s doing anything about it. No-one’s lifting a finger. Salamander VII, Paul
And say all those who committed suicide or resigned were members of Salamander – a secret group that’s infiltrating the State and will soon have as much power in Parliament? Then the government will collapse and you won’t be a minister. Salamander VIII, DPP
The King’s starting to worry about these suicides and resignations ... I want someone's head. Salamander IX, private secretary
I am asking you to give me Persigal. Salamander X, blond villain
Jonkhere used Spika to his own advantage and later turned it into Salamander. ibid. DPP
Emile Jonkhere, Harry Dewulf, April 1944. Salamander XI, back of photograph
It says he ran off with diamonds and money belonging to the Resistance ... It was the perfect crime. ibid. monk to Paul & mate
Kill them both. Or I’ll come after you and you can forget your money. Salamander XII, Jonkheres at the bank
They built their lives on the blood of my father. And he’s going to pay for it. ibid. DeWulf to Paul
We will fight for this country’s future. For the citizens who believe in power. And not in a feeble democracy where everyone has a say. That’s weak. ibid. new leader of Salamander taped
‘The most audacious, best planned, the most daring diamond heist in history.’ Inside the Heist s1e4: World’s Biggest Diamond Raid, Quest 2023
In 2003 the largest diamond heist of all time took place in Antwerp’s diamond district. ibid. caption
The Antwerp Diamond District has only one vault and it’s housed in the World Diamond Centre. ibid.
‘A complete and utter humiliation for the Diamond District.’ ibid. Liz Yardley