Editor’s Note
This article discusses the new Amazon Prime Video series “Everybody Loves Diamonds,” which dramatizes the true story of the 2003 Antwerp Diamond Centre heist—considered one of the largest diamond robberies in history.
The Amazon Prime Video series is based on the largest diamond heist of all time, which was carried out in Antwerp.
Inspired by the true story of the “Diamond Center” robbery, the Italian series “Everybody Loves Diamonds” on Amazon Prime Video follows the con man Leonardo Notarbartolo (Kim Rossi Stuart) and his unusual gang of thieves as they attempt to pull off the heist of the century. Over eight episodes, we learn about their methods, motives, and the whereabouts of the loot. The main cast also includes Anna Foglietta, Carlotta Antonelli, and Rupert Everett.
But what was the “true story” mentioned in the first sentence actually about, and when did this real diamond coup take place? The following article aims to inform you about such criminal facts.
On the night of February 15 to 16, 2003, one of the most memorable and spectacular heists in criminal history took place in Antwerp. It was carried out by a five-member gang led by Leonardo Notarbartolo, a jewelry designer and dealer from the Turin area who had developed a penchant for theft from a young age.
Together, they relieved the Antwerp Diamond Exchange of gems worth over 100 million euros by breaking into the vault. In total, they opened 109 safe deposit boxes and, in addition to the precious stones, also stole cash in various currencies, gold bars, jewelry, and watches.
Notarbartolo had prepared for this crime for 27 months and had initially also rented a safe deposit box in the diamond center. After the heist, they managed to secure a significant head start, as the robbery was only discovered 24 hours later by a janitor.
Exotic currencies from the safe deposit boxes, SIM cards from their phones, and receipts that could link the crime team to the coup ended up in the trash. Notarbartolo intended to dispose of it himself and burn it in France.
However, a nervous accomplice then made a fatal mistake by dumping this garbage in a wooded area. There, a local resident discovered the valuable evidence. The police became suspicious because envelopes from the Antwerp Diamond Center were also found inside. A receipt for a sandwich allowed Notarbartolo to be identified on surveillance video.
After his arrest, Notarbartolo made no further statements. He was convicted based on circumstantial evidence and sentenced to ten years in prison and a fine of 10,000 euros, but was released after just four years. There was speculation that the Mafia might actually be behind it, but Notarbartolo later spoke of an outright conspiracy by Jewish diamond dealers and a complicated insurance fraud as the true motives for the coup.
Consequently, the story told in “Everybody Loves Diamonds” is, of course, also just the result of a mix of facts and fiction.
You can always form your own opinion on how credible the story comes across in the Italian production.
“Everybody Loves Diamonds” is available on Amazon Prime Video.