How Diamond Heists Actually Work | How Crime Works | Insider

Recent questions

• How did Bryan Sobolewski conduct his criminal operations?

  Bryan Sobolewski, a former diamond thief, orchestrated his criminal activities by involving his father as the mastermind, his brother as muscle, and an inside man named Bill who provided information on potential targets. They targeted mom-and-pop jewelry stores, carefully selecting those with false insurance claims or previous robberies. Casing a job was essential, requiring observation of traffic patterns and patrol times to plan the robbery effectively. They followed the 90-second rule during the robberies, focusing on easily sellable items like gold chains over diamonds. To sell the stolen goods, they avoided pawnshops and instead used jewelry parties for cash transactions.

• What were the key strategies used by Bryan Sobolewski to avoid detection during robberies?

  To evade detection during their criminal activities, Bryan Sobolewski and his team implemented several key strategies. They ensured the stolen jewelry was not engraved and had fake paperwork to pass off as legitimate. Additionally, they used specific methods to test the authenticity of gold and diamonds before selling them. By focusing on stealing easily sellable items like gold chains over diamonds, they aimed to reduce the risk of being traced back to the stolen goods. Moreover, they avoided pawnshops and opted for jewelry parties to sell the stolen items for cash, further minimizing the chances of detection.

• What were the characteristics of the stolen items targeted by Bryan Sobolewski and his team?

  Bryan Sobolewski and his team primarily targeted easily sellable items like gold chains over diamonds during their criminal operations. They avoided diamonds, as they are not rare, and instead focused on items like gold that could be quickly sold for cash. By selecting items with high market demand and easy resale value, they aimed to maximize their profits while minimizing the risk of detection. This strategic approach allowed them to efficiently conduct their robberies and successfully sell the stolen goods without raising suspicion.

• How did Bryan Sobolewski and his team ensure the authenticity of the stolen jewelry before selling it?

  Bryan Sobolewski and his team took specific measures to verify the authenticity of the stolen jewelry before selling it. They used distinct methods to test the legitimacy of gold and diamonds, ensuring that the items they were selling were genuine. By conducting these authenticity checks, they aimed to maintain their credibility with potential buyers and avoid any issues that could arise from selling counterfeit or stolen goods. This meticulous approach helped them navigate the criminal landscape and successfully profit from their illegal activities.

• What role did family dynamics play in Bryan Sobolewski's criminal activities?

  Family dynamics played a significant role in Bryan Sobolewski's criminal activities, with his father serving as the mastermind, his brother as muscle, and an inside man named Bill providing crucial information on potential targets. The influence of family history and a desire to help his father motivated Bryan to engage in a series of robberies over five years. This familial connection not only shaped the structure of their criminal operation but also contributed to Bryan's eventual arrest and subsequent rehabilitation. The intricate interplay of family relationships and criminal activities underscored the complexities of Bryan's past and the impact it had on his criminal behavior.