can someone tell me if the lufthansa heist is steal
the biggest in the u.s.

It was mentioned in GoodFellas that "it was the biggest heist in United States history at that time..." So I guess so...

I think it's still the biggest, remember it was real cash (don't know the rigt word in English, in Dutch it's "contant")and almost impossible to trace . wiseguy from Pileggi describes the heist a little bit.

Here is a brief faq about the heist:

Date: December 12, 1978.

Location: Kennedy International Airport.

The Target: Cargo from the Lufthansa Airline amounting to $5.0 million in cash and $850,000 in jewelry making it the largest cast robbery in United States History.

The Gang: They were known as "Robert's Lounge Crew." It consisted of eight men who all specialized in theft and hijacking.

Planning: Using an insider, they knew exactly how to get into the cargo area and how many men would be working that day. The insider was employed for many years at Lufthansa Airlines and had valuable knowledge on the number of security guards, alarm systems, and police response. The insider would be the key to their success.

Strategy: On the day of the heist, a van and a passenger car was used to drive into the airport. Four men jumped out of the van while two stayed behind as look-outs. The four men went inside with guns and tied up all of the employees as well as the security guard. The passenger car was on standby and designated the "crash car." He was responsible for confusing the police in case they were discovered. The crash car would drive off in order for the van to get away. After the people were tied up and secured, they disarmed the alarm system and the van backed into the warehouse. They loaded up and took off. The money was transferred to a waiting "transport car." The van and the "crash car" were taken to a junkyard and destroyed. Although they used guns during the heist, not a single person was killed.

I picked this up from the MTV site:

The biggest heist in U.S. history — and the biggest "successful" art heist — was a $300 million score from Boston's Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in 1990. The thieves — who pulled the old "walk in the front door dressed like cops" routine — made off with works by Vermeer, Rembrandt and Manet. All of the paintings are still missing, and the perpetrators are still at large. CNN.com reported in 2002 that the FBI is still actively investigating the case, so perhaps that whole "crime doesn't pay" thing will enter in at some point.

But, as MM Floors said, cash still counts most.

Just Lou thx for the additional info!

Turnbull:

That's exactly the problem with stealing high valued things like art. You don't make any money until you sell it...but who want's to buy a Vermeer and knows that the Vermeer he wants to buy is stolen...I think it's stupid...so most times you better steal some less valued things and sell that, instead of (trying) to sell a high valued art object.

You know what always bothered me about Goodfells. Henry invited Frenchy to his wedding. Henry and Frenchy were in together on the Cargo heist! Wouldnt the feds of found it interesting that these two were frinds and that there was a connection between them and the heist since Frenchy worked there as a night watchman.

Don Smitty

Ah, Most of us can recall that great Simpsons episode that spoffs the mafia.

Fat Tony: Remember Kid, Crime doesnt pay.
[A white stretch limo pulls up and two beautiful women step out and escort the mob boss into the the limo.]

Guns ? I thought I seen in Goodfellas they didn't use one single gun. :rolleyes: