In May 1990, an ordinary Wednesday morning turned extraordinary for bank courier John Goddard in London. While on his routine rounds, he was unexpectedly confronted at knifepoint and robbed of his briefcase containing 301 City bonds valued at £292 million, equivalent to £850 million today, in a brazen daylight theft.
Despite an extensive investigation by the City of London Police, the perpetrator managed to evade capture swiftly, leaving the authorities with a cold trail to follow. This incident, known as Britain’s largest heist, remained largely unknown until it became the focus of a Crime+Investigation documentary series presented by Marcel Theroux, set to debut on November 3.
The series delves into the intricate criminal scheme behind the heist, implicating the New York mafia, the IRA, and Colombian drug lords. The mastermind behind the operation remains unidentified to this day, with low-level criminal Patrick Thomas, who reportedly executed the initial theft, meeting a fatal end due to suspicions of possessing crucial information.
The sole individual convicted in connection with the crime was Keith Cheeseman, sentenced to six-and-a-half years for involvement in laundering the stolen bonds. Although authorities purportedly recovered most of the bonds, Cheeseman disclosed to The Mirror that the actual stolen value exceeded the reported £292 million, suggesting an additional £135 million remained unaccounted for.
Cheeseman, now residing in Turkey, recalled his involvement, attributing it to a turn towards illicit activities following financial setbacks in his legitimate ventures. Describing the elaborate network of criminals involved, including the likes of Raymond Ketteridge and Mark Osborne, the documentary sheds light on the intricate web of deceit and betrayal that unfolded during the heist.
As Marcel Theroux explored the untold facets of the robbery, he reflected on the astounding nature of the crime and its magnitude, considering the vast sums stolen within moments. Cheeseman, reflecting on his past, expressed remorse for the unclaimed money but also highlighted the lavish lifestyle that briefly accompanied his criminal pursuits.
Accounts from former armed robber Marvin Herbert and South London gangster Jimmy Tippett further underscored the enigmatic nature of the heist, with lingering suspicions and unanswered questions surrounding the involvement of various individuals and criminal organizations. Through personal anecdotes and accounts from those connected to the case, the documentary promises a captivating insight into one of the most significant heists in British history.