The theft – more closely aligned to a Hollywood script than everyday life – involved eight heavily-armed thieves dressed as police who intercepted a diamond shipment on the airport’s tarmac. The group stole about 120 packages of rough and cut diamonds worth an estimated $50 million.
Coordinated raids by 300 police in Belgium, France and Switzerland resulted in the initial arrest of more than 30 suspects. At least one individual, detained in France, was believed to be a member of the gang that carried out the heist and Belgian authorities have requested his extradition.
According to police, 24 people were initially rounded up in Belgium, where a Brussels judge decided to keep 10 in custody. All 24 were reportedly aged between 30 and 35 years old.
During the raids in Switzerland, authorities also seized diamonds, some of which have reportedly been confirmed as the goods stolen during the airport heist.
While no diamonds have been found in Belgium, police there are said to have seized a large amount of cash.
As previously reported by Jeweller, the operation – which occurred in February – took less than five minutes and is said to be one of the largest robberies on record.
At the time, a spokesperson for Brussels prosecutors said, "This was not a random robbery," adding, "It was well-prepared – these were professionals."
The investigation is ongoing.
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