Keith Cheeseman, known as ‘The Big Cheese’ for his criminal expertise, openly reflects on his past without regret. He proudly recounts encounters with notable figures such as The Krays and football icon George Best. Cheeseman, the mastermind behind Britain’s largest bank heist in 1990, involving bearer bonds valued at £850 million today, claims to have mingled with entertainment icons like Morecambe and Wise.
Now 83 and residing in retirement on the Turkish Riviera, Cheeseman, who served a six-and-a-half-year sentence for the heist, stars in a documentary titled “Heist: Robbing the Bank of England” alongside Marcel Theroux. Describing the 1990 robbery as ‘The biggest bank heist no one has heard of,’ Theroux expresses astonishment at the audacity of the crime.
In the early 1970s, Cheeseman lived a lavish lifestyle, driving a Lamborghini, socializing with celebrities and models, and enjoying the finer things in life. Despite his criminal history, he humorously acknowledges his notoriety, particularly in Turkey where his colorful past captivates locals. Cheeseman’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to acquire Dunstable Town after a failed football trial, which later sparked controversy over his lavish lifestyle.
Initially a shopkeeper’s son with a successful building company, Cheeseman turned to crime after facing financial setbacks due to the banking system. His disdain for banks fueled his criminal activities, leading to his involvement in high-profile heists. During his time in prison, Cheeseman formed unlikely friendships with infamous gangsters like the Krays and the Richardsons, sharing anecdotes of their encounters.
Reflecting on his life of crime, Cheeseman describes himself as a criminal rather than a gangster, emphasizing his strategic approach to illicit activities. Despite his unlawful past, he acknowledges the intriguing experiences and encounters brought about by his criminal endeavors. “Heist: Robbing the Bank of England” will premiere on Crime+Investigation on Monday, 3rd November.