10 Most Notorious Thieves in History

From petty pickpockets to masterminds of grand larceny, the annals of history are filled with tales of notorious thieves. These individuals, driven by greed, ambition, or a twisted sense of justice, have captured the public’s imagination for centuries. Their exploits, often daring and audacious, have become the stuff of legend. Some were motivated by poverty, others by a thirst for power. Regardless of their motivations, their actions left an indelible mark on society. This article delves into the lives and crimes of ten of the most notorious thieves in history, exploring their methods, their motivations, and the lasting impact they had on the world. We’ll examine the cunning strategies they employed, the vast fortunes they amassed, and the eventual consequences they faced. Prepare to be captivated by stories of daring heists, elaborate cons, and the enduring allure of the criminal underworld. These are the stories of individuals who dared to break the law, challenging societal norms and leaving a legacy of infamy. Their names are synonymous with theft and deception, forever etched in the historical record.

The Masterminds of Deception

Victor Lustig: The Man Who Sold the Eiffel Tower

Victor Lustig, a con artist of extraordinary talent, is perhaps best known for his audacious scheme of “selling” the Eiffel Tower. Twice. Posing as a government official, he convinced scrap metal dealers that the iconic landmark was being dismantled and sold for scrap. His persuasive charm and elaborate forged documents allowed him to pull off this incredible feat, earning him a place among history’s most notorious thieves.

Lustig’s criminal career spanned continents, employing a variety of scams and cons. He targeted the wealthy and gullible, exploiting their desires for quick riches and social status. His ability to adapt and improvise, combined with his impeccable sense of timing, made him a formidable adversary.

Beyond the Eiffel Tower scam, Lustig was involved in numerous other fraudulent activities, including counterfeiting and running elaborate con games. His life of deception eventually caught up with him, leading to his imprisonment.

Frank Abagnale: Catch Me If You Can

Frank Abagnale’s story of impersonation and forgery is a testament to his incredible audacity and adaptability. Before the age of 21, he successfully impersonated an airline pilot, a doctor, and a lawyer, all while cashing millions of dollars in forged checks.

Abagnale’s ability to convincingly portray these roles, coupled with his understanding of systems and procedures, allowed him to evade authorities for years. His exploits were so remarkable that they inspired a popular book and film.

Eventually apprehended, Abagnale’s unique skills were recognized by the FBI, leading to a surprising turn in his career. He began working with law enforcement, using his expertise to combat fraud and forgery.

Artful Dodgers and Daring Robbers

DDB Cooper: The Vanishing Skyjacker

The mysterious case of D.B. Cooper continues to intrigue and baffle investigators to this day. In 1971, a man calling himself Dan Cooper hijacked a Boeing 727, extorted $200,000 in ransom, and then parachuted out of the plane, never to be seen again.

Despite extensive searches and numerous theories, Cooper’s true identity and fate remain a mystery. The case remains one of the most enduring unsolved mysteries in American history.

The daring nature of the crime, combined with the complete disappearance of the perpetrator, has cemented D.B. Cooper’s place in the annals of theft and intrigue.

Bill Mason: The Great Train Robber

Bill Mason, a charismatic and skilled thief, orchestrated one of the most infamous train robberies in history. In 1963, he masterminded the robbery of a Royal Mail train, making off with over £2.6 million.

Mason’s meticulous planning and execution of the robbery, along with his ability to evade capture for several years, earned him legendary status. He became a folk hero to some, a symbol of rebellion against authority.

Despite eventually being caught and imprisoned, Mason’s daring escape from prison further solidified his reputation as a cunning and resourceful criminal.

Notorious Figures in History

Vincenzo Peruggia: The Mona Lisa Thief

Vincenzo Peruggia, an Italian museum worker, shocked the world in 1911 when he stole Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, the Mona Lisa, from the Louvre Museum in Paris.

Peruggia’s motive was seemingly patriotic; he believed the painting rightfully belonged in Italy. He kept the painting hidden in his apartment for two years before attempting to sell it to an art dealer in Florence.

The theft of the Mona Lisa caused a global sensation, raising the painting’s profile and solidifying its place as one of the most recognizable works of art in the world.

• More thieves could be added to this list.
• Theft takes many forms.