The Largest Cash Heists That Are Still Unsolved to This Day — From $16 Million to Over $1.6 Billion Gone Without a Trace
There’s something eerie yet magnetic about unsolved crimes, especially when they involve jaw-dropping amounts of cash and the kind of planning that would make even Hollywood jealous. Every so often, someone—or some crew—pulls off a job so smooth, so mysterious, and so successful that law enforcement is left staring at a big, empty vault and a lot of unanswered questions. These are not your average thefts; these are the greatest unsolved cash heists in modern history. The stories behind them don’t just defy logic—they blur the line between genius and ghost.
The Plymouth Mail Truck Robbery — $16 Million (1962)
In Boston, Massachusetts, the Plymouth Mail Truck heist shocked the nation. On August 14, 1962, a mail truck carrying millions in cash simply vanished. Authorities discovered the abandoned vehicle later, but the $16 million inside—equivalent to over $150 million today—was never seen again. No arrests, no suspects, and no solid leads. It remains one of the most baffling crimes in U.S. history.
Wells Fargo Depot Robbery — $22 Million (1983)
In Hartford, Connecticut, Victor Gerena, a Wells Fargo employee, pulled off a solo job that stunned law enforcement. On September 12, 1983, he tied up two colleagues, stole $22 million in cash, and disappeared. His face went on FBI posters, yet he evaded capture. Rumors suggested political motives, but Gerena was never found.
Gardaworld Cash Depot — $31 Million (2024)
In Los Angeles on March 31, 2024, the Gardaworld depot was quietly robbed of $31 million. With no signs of forced entry and minimal clues, investigators suspect it was an inside job. No one has been arrested, and the stolen cash remains missing—making it one of the largest unsolved robberies in California’s history.
Northern Bank Robbery — $85 Million (2004)
On December 20, 2004, robbers in Belfast, Northern Ireland, forced two bank officials and their families to help them steal £26.5 million (~$85 million USD). The criminals were highly organized, knew the layout, and escaped undetected. Some money was recovered, but no one has been held fully accountable.
Banco Central, Fortaleza — $115 Million (2005)
In Brazil, a gang rented property near the Banco Central in Fortaleza and spent months digging a tunnel into its vault. On August 6, 2005, they stole 3.5 tons of money—about $115 million. Although a few arrests followed, most of the cash and the true ringleaders vanished without a trace.
British Bank of the Middle East — $281 Million (1976)
During the Lebanese Civil War, robbers blasted through a wall from a Catholic church into the bank in Beirut. On January 20, 1976, they looted cash, gold, and jewelry worth $281 million. Political ties were suspected, but chaos and war made investigation nearly impossible. Most of the treasure was never found.
Dar Es Salaam Investment Bank — $435 Million (2007)
Guards entrusted with securing Iraq’s Dar Es Salaam Investment Bank turned out to be the culprits. On July 11, 2007, they walked out with $435 million in cash. No alarms were triggered, no struggle occurred. It’s one of the largest bank thefts ever, and yet—no one was caught.
Central Bank of Iraq — $1.6 Billion (2003)
On March 18, 2003, just before the U.S. invasion, Saddam Hussein reportedly ordered the withdrawal of $1 billion+ from Iraq’s Central Bank. The cash—taken in trucks—was never accounted for. Some was recovered during raids, but over a billion remains lost. It remains the largest cash theft in modern history.