In May 1990, bank courier John Goddard had his routine morning disrupted when he was confronted by a knife-wielding assailant in the City of London. The thief made off with Goddard’s briefcase containing 301 City bonds valued at £292 million, equivalent to £850 million today. Despite extensive efforts by the City of London Police, the trail of the robber quickly went cold.
This incident, known as Britain’s most significant heist, has been largely overlooked until now. A documentary series on Crime+Investigation, hosted by Marcel Theroux, delves into the intricate criminal network behind the theft, involving connections with the New York mafia, the IRA, and Colombian drug lords. The mastermind orchestrating the scheme remains unidentified.
While only Keith Cheeseman was convicted and sentenced to six-and-a-half years for his involvement in laundering the stolen bonds, the actual value of the stolen bonds is believed to be much higher than reported. Cheeseman, now residing in Turkey, claims that around £427 million worth of bonds were taken, with an additional £135 million never accounted for or recovered.
Cheeseman, known as ‘The Big Cheese,’ recounts his involvement in the crime, highlighting his associations with various criminal figures, including mafia members and drug lords. Despite the allure of his criminal lifestyle, Cheeseman expresses regret over the unaccounted stolen funds.
Former armed robber Marvin Herbert recalls the aftermath of the heist and points to Patrick Thomas as the likely perpetrator. Thomas, a reputed ladies’ man, was believed to have been involved in the theft but met an untimely demise before revealing crucial details about the operation.
Jimmy Tippett, a South London gangster, denies his involvement in the heist despite suspicions due to his lavish lifestyle at the time. Tippett speculates that Eugene Carter, a prominent figure in the South London drug scene, may have had a role in the crime.
The documentary sheds light on the complex web of characters involved in the heist, offering a glimpse into their motivations and connections. Despite the passage of time, the mystery surrounding the missing funds and the identities of those behind the operation remain unresolved.