Social Engineering Gets a Big Jewel Heist
It just goes to show, sometimes the simple things are the most effective. A box of chocolates can defeat all the most hi-tech security systems if you add a little charm.
21 million Euros of diamonds, that’s one hell of a catch.
A thief has evaded one of the world’s most expensive hi-tech security systems, and made off with €21m (£14.5m) worth of diamonds – thanks to a secret weapon rarely used on bank staff: personal charm.
In what may be the biggest robbery committed by one person, the conman burgled safety deposit boxes at an ABN Amro bank in Antwerp’s diamond quarter, stealing gems weighing 120,000 carats. Posing as a successful businessman, the thief visited the bank frequently, befriending staff and gradually winning their confidence. He even brought them chocolates, according to one diamond industry official.
Sounds like a long term operation, very slickly done indeed!
Mr Claes said of the thief: “He used no violence. He used one weapon -and that is his charm – to gain confidence. He bought chocolates for the personnel, he was a nice guy, he charmed them, got the original of keys to make copies and got information on where the diamonds were.
“You can have all the safety and security you want, but if someone uses their charm to mislead people it won’t help.”
My dear friend, education is the key..not more locks and bolts.
