US Charges Seven Men With $100 Million Jewelry Heist

Federal prosecutors have charged seven California men in connection with a $100 million robbery of a Brink’s truck, calling it the largest jewelry heist in US history.

The theft occurred in July 2022, when gold, diamonds, rubies, emeralds and luxury watches were stolen from the truck during a 27-minute stop in Lebec, about 80 miles (130 kilometers) north of Los Angeles, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.

The truck had been traveling from an international jewelry show in San Mateo to Los Angeles when it was targeted. Prosecutors say the group followed the vehicle for roughly 300 miles, tailing it from the San Mateo show.

When the driver took a rest stop in Lebec, the suspects stole 24 bags containing the jewelry, prosecutors said. Part of the stolen property has been recovered.

The men were charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit theft from interstate and foreign shipment and theft from interstate and foreign shipment. Five of them also face charges additional charges.