PodcastsJan 12, 2026
The latest poscasttest
CrimeJan 03, 2016
19 to Stand Trial in $50M Airport Diamond Heist
Sixteen men and three women will stand trial in connection with the huge diamond heist pulled off on the runway of the Brussels Airport back in 2013.
Brussels--Sixteen men and three women will stand trial in connection with the $50 million diamond heist pulled off on the runway of the Brussels Airport back in 2013, Belgium’s national news agency, Belga, reported last Thursday.
Belga said that nine of the suspects will go on trial for being directly involved in the robbery while the remaining 10 face charges related to hiding the stolen diamonds. With the exception of one individual, all those charged live in Belgium.
Six of the suspects also face money laundering charges in Belgium, Switzerland and Morocco.
Belga said that prosecutors did not give a date for the trial.
A brash heist that ranks among the biggest diamond thefts in history, the robbery took place after two vehicles carrying eight masked men who were armed with machine guns and dressed like police officers burst through a perimeter fence at the airport.
The vehicles pulled up to a Brinks van that had just finished loading diamonds onto a Swiss passenger plane bound for Zurich. In a matter of minutes and without firing a single shot, the suspects took 120 parcels of rough and polished diamonds off the plane.
At the time the heist took place, the Antwerp World Diamond Centre called the $50 million job a “significant” robbery for the city, which is one of the world’s main diamond trading hubs.
Following the heist, police arrested more than 30 suspects in multiple countries, including four in May 2014 and 31 in May 2013.
Belga reported that in November, a Swiss court handed down two-year suspended sentences and fines in the case to an estate agent and his lawyer for handling stolen goods.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Crime
The Latest
Weekly QuizOct 03, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for JewelersFrom protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
PodcastsNov 27, 2025
Test Podcast With VideoTest Podcast With Video. New interview with Ada Lovelace.
PodcastsNov 25, 2025
Test New Podcast PostAbstract for tests. New Podcast interview with John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morison.
ColumnistsOct 09, 2024
Peter Smith: 7 Things to Know When Selling LuxuryAhead of the holiday season, Smith delves into the often subconscious reasons people buy luxury products for themselves or their loved ones.
AuctionsOct 09, 2024
Rolex Worn on Apollo 14 Mission Up for SaleThe GMT-Master “Pepsi” belonging to astronaut Edgar Mitchell is a standout in RR Auction’s online “Space Auction,” going on now.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
New Simon Campaign Invites Gen Z to ‘Meet Me At The Mall’The ads celebrate the mall culture of the ‘80s and ‘90s.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
PGI Launches New Virtual Sales TrainingRetail sales associates can access the video series on mobile to refresh their selling skills.
Policies & IssuesOct 09, 2024
GJNRF: Reaching Out, Rebuilding Futures For 25 years, India’s Gem & Jewellery National Relief Foundation has provided aid in the wake of war, natural disasters, and global crises.
AuctionsOct 08, 2024
Sotheby’s Selling Jewelry That Belonged to a Bulgarian TsarThe November auction will feature a collection of jewels owned by Ferdinand I, the first king of modern Bulgaria, and his family.
SourcingOct 08, 2024
Rio Tinto Begins New Phase of Production That Will Extend Diavik’s LifeCommercial production has begun underground at the Canadian diamond mine’s A21 pipe.
SurveysOct 08, 2024
What to Know About Online Shopping This Holiday SeasonDeloitte and Adobe Analytics shared their insights on the season, from the retail sales forecast to the role of generative AI.
CollectionsOct 08, 2024
Sylvie Adds New Men’s BandsThe Texas-based jeweler collaborated with luxury clothing brand Uncommon Man on men’s bands designed with European influences.
SourcingOct 08, 2024
Is Current Diamond Industry Turbulence Shaping a ‘New Normal’? Industry players have found ways to cope with market conditions while working to reshape themselves in the face of emerging realities.
SourcingOct 07, 2024
Rio Tinto to Offer 76 Diamonds in 2024 Beyond Rare Tender The sales event, in its second year, features a selection of rare diamonds from the miner’s Argyle and Diavik diamond mines.
CollectionsOct 07, 2024
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi Partners With Heller Jewelers on New CollectionA portion of the proceeds from the “Always Dream” collection will go to Yamaguchi's foundation, supporting early childhood literacy.
