Making History Come Alive Newsletter The Lufthansa Heist is one of the most infamous robberies in American history
It was notable not only for the scale of the theft but also for its ties to organized crime and the subsequent investigations that followed. Below is a detailed account of the heist, its execution, the aftermath, and its cultural impact.
Background
- Lufthansa Airlines: The heist took place on December 11, 1978, at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City, specifically targeting the Lufthansa cargo building. At the time, Lufthansa was a major airline operating numerous flights to and from Europe, and its cargo operations were lucrative.
- Organized Crime Context: The robbery was orchestrated by members of the Lucchese crime family, particularly under the direction of James Burke, also known as "Jimmy the Gent." Burke was a notorious figure in organized crime, known for his violent methods and connections to several high-profile criminals.
The Heist
- Planning: The heist was meticulously planned over several months. Burke and his associates had inside information about the airport's operations, which aided in crafting an effective strategy for the robbery.
- Execution: On the night of the heist, a group of armed men, including Burke's associates, gained access to the Lufthansa cargo building. They were able to overpower the security personnel and gathered the cash and jewelry stored in the facility. The heist resulted in the theft of approximately $5 million in cash and nearly $875,000 in jewelry, making it one of the largest cash thefts in U.S. history at that time.
- Escape: The robbers made a clean getaway, using a getaway vehicle to leave the scene. The robbery was executed with a level of precision that showcased the planning and coordination involved.
Aftermath
- Investigation: The FBI quickly took charge of the investigation. Despite the scale of the theft and the involvement of organized crime, the case faced significant challenges due to the code of silence (omertà ) prevalent among Mafia members, making it difficult to gather reliable witness testimony.
- Violent Repercussions: In the following months, many individuals connected to the heist, including potential witnesses and participants, began to disappear or were found murdered. This included several members of the Lucchese crime family, as Burke sought to eliminate anyone who might implicate him or reveal details about the heist.