A Larger-Than-Life Criminal Syndicate Executing Hollywood-Style Heists
The high-profile heists of Ocean’s Eleven and The Italian Job are typically the stuff of Hollywood, but one notable real-world example exists: the Pink Panthers, a transnational network of Balkan jewel thieves that operated with near impunity in the early 2000s, stealing an estimated five hundred million dollars in sophisticated operations around the globe.
In our new video on the W.O.E. YouTube Channel, we explore the structure, creativity, tradecraft, and tactics that made the Pink Panthers the most successful and bold international criminal organization in recent history.
Enjoy episode twenty-five of W.O.E. TV.
Happy Hunting,
-W.O.E.
2 comments
Sobering
Due to the technology available today, these highly skilled criminals no longer need to put themselves at risk to commit a crime.
On 3rd July 2025, criminals exploited a vulnerability in the value transaction chain to the Central Bank of Brazil and managed to steal BRL 1 billion (approximately USD 180,544,522) in just 20 minutes.