“The Diamond Heist” Thieves – Where Are They Now?
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The notorious Millennium Dome raid orchestrated by Lee Wenham and his team of thieves, also known as the “Diamond Geezers,” took place 25 years ago. This daring heist, which aimed to steal the De Beers Millennium Star diamond valued at over £350 million, has since become the subject of a Netflix docuseries titled “The Diamond Heist.”
The mastermind behind the operation, Ray Betson, drove the JCB excavator used to breach the building’s perimeter, while Wenham assisted in planning the heist. Another key player, Robert “Bob the Builder” Adams, was recruited just a day before the theft and was responsible for breaking through the protective glass housing the diamonds.
William “Bill” Cockram, the muscle of the group, used a nail gun to weaken the glass surrounding the diamond display. Aldo Ciarrocchi, the technician, threw smoke bombs as a distraction, while Terence “Terry” Millman served as the getaway driver. Kevin Meredith, who had no criminal record, was recruited just days before the heist to drive the thieves away via boat on the Thames River.
Despite meticulous planning, the thieves were foiled by the British police, who had been tipped off months in advance. The actual diamonds had been replaced with fake replicas, leading to the arrest of Adams, Betson, Ciarrocchi, Wenham, and Millman. Millman passed away from stomach cancer before the trial.
Betson, whose jail sentence was later reduced, found himself back in prison for a separate robbery attempt in 2014. Cockram sued the police for alleged mistreatment during his arrest, while Ciarrocchi made headlines for converting a skate park into a vacation home for his family.
Lee Wenham, the brains behind the heist, reflected on his time in prison, stating that it wasn’t as bad as he had feared. Following his release, he wrote an autobiography and is now working as a landscaper. Despite returning to the scene of the crime at The O2 arena, Wenham has managed to stay out of legal trouble since his time behind bars.
The legacy of the Millennium Dome raid lives on through the stories of the individuals involved, showcasing both the consequences of their actions and the paths they have taken since that fateful day. As the Netflix docuseries sheds light on this daring heist, it prompts audiences to consider the lasting impact of such high-stakes criminal activities on the lives of those involved and the wider community.