Netflix Unveils the Secrets of the “Heist of the Century” in Antwerp: The Biggest Diamond Theft Without a Single Shot

On August 8, Netflix will premiere a new documentary titled "Stolen: Heist of the Century," shedding light on the largest diamond theft in modern history. The film revisits the infamous 2003 Antwerp Diamond Center heist, where an Italian gang made off with more than $100 million in jewels from the heart of Belgium’s diamond district—outsmarting some of the world’s most advanced security systems without firing a single shot.

A Perfectly Crafted Two-Year Plan

The documentary details what has been called the “heist of the century.” Leonardo Notarbartolo led a team of five skilled thieves, executing a meticulously crafted plan that involved two years of preparation. They studied the site extensively, probing every possible weakness in its security, and ultimately penetrated the underground vault, then regarded as the most secure in the world.

Bypassing Ten Layers of Security

The gang overcame multiple formidable safeguards, including massive steel doors (weighing up to three tons), infrared and heat sensors, magnetic locks, and seismic alarms. Their ingenious tactics included spraying hairspray on sensors and covering magnetic locks with aluminum plates, allowing them to open over 100 safety deposit boxes without triggering any alarms.

Loot Still Not Fully Recovered

Belgian authorities later apprehended Notarbartolo and three of his accomplices, who received prison sentences ranging from five to ten years. However, most of the stolen diamonds have never been recovered, and one suspect remains at large.

Documentary Sources and Interviews

The film is based on the book "Flawless" by Scott Andrew Selby and Greg Campbell. It features exclusive interviews with the Antwerp detectives who led the investigation, as well as with Notarbartolo himself, who describes in his own words how he masterminded what he considers “the perfect operation”.

The "School of Turin" and the Anatomy of a Heist

The documentary also explores the “School of Turin,” a network of Italian professional thieves, each specializing in specific aspects such as lock-picking, alarm systems, disguise, and transportation. Every member played a defined role, emphasizing discipline and precision over brute force.

Significance and Lasting Impact

Decades later, the Antwerp diamond heist is still studied in the fields of security and major crimes. It stands as evidence that even the most sophisticated systems have flaws if faced by individuals with the necessary time and expertise. The enduring mystery of the missing loot and the nonviolent nature of the crime have fascinated media and filmmakers worldwide, setting the heist apart as a “smart robbery” notable for its planning and creativity.

Ultimately, this case highlights vulnerabilities in security systems once considered state-of-the-art, prompting broader questions about the limits of technology against patient human ingenuity. These elements make it an ideal subject for documentaries and dramatic works seeking a blend of suspense and true crime.