Throughout history, people have stolen all sorts of things for different reasons. Some thieves became famous or infamous for daring heists, while others sparked heated debates about right and wrong. This article looks at 17 controversial thieves and the items they took.
From priceless art to secret government files, these stolen goods range from the valuable to the downright weird.
Vincenzo Peruggia – Mona Lisa
Peruggia stole the famous painting from the Louvre in 1911. He kept it hidden for two years before trying to sell it. Peruggia claimed he wanted to return the painting to Italy, its “home country.” His theft made the Mona Lisa even more famous than before.
D.B. Cooper – $200,000 Ransom
In 1971, Cooper hijacked a plane and demanded money. He parachuted out of the plane with the cash and was never caught. His daring escape became a legend, inspiring books and movies. Some people see him as a folk hero.
Stéphane Breitwieser – Over 200 Artworks
Breitwieser stole artworks from museums across Europe for years. He didn’t sell the items but kept them for his own collection. His mother destroyed many pieces when he was caught. People were shocked by how easily he stole from museums.
Doris Payne – Millions in Jewelry
Payne is a career jewel thief who stole for over six decades. She used charm and quick thinking to swipe expensive gems. Her story raised questions about race, class, and the justice system. Some see her as a clever rebel, others as a common thief.
Colton Harris-Moore – Planes and boats
Known as the “Barefoot Bandit,” Harris-Moore stole planes and boats as a teenager. He led police on a two-year chase before being caught. Some saw him as a daring adventurer, others as a dangerous criminal. His story raised questions about troubled youth and the romanticizing of crime.
Anthony Strangis – Money from his wife’s business
Strangis manipulated his wife, a famous vegan restaurateur, into giving him millions from her business. His actions blurred the lines between theft and manipulation, sparking discussions about financial abuse in relationships.
Veerappan – Ivory and Sandalwood
This Indian bandit poached elephants for ivory and illegally cut sandalwood trees. He evaded capture for years and became a feared outlaw. His actions sparked debates about forest conservation and law enforcement in rural India.
Derek “Bertie” Smalls – Bank Robberies
Smalls was a British bank robber who later became an informant. He helped catch other criminals to reduce his own sentence. His case raised questions about deals between criminals and the justice system.
Bonnie and Clyde – Multiple Bank Robberies
This infamous couple robbed banks during the Great Depression. They became folk heroes to some, seen as fighting against unfair banks. Others saw them as dangerous criminals who hurt innocent people.
Frank Abagnale Jr. – Millions Through Fraud
Abagnale posed as a pilot, doctor, and lawyer to commit fraud. His story became famous through the movie “Catch Me If You Can.” Some admire his cleverness, while others criticize glamorizing white-collar crime.
Natwarlal – Taj Mahal (Attempted)
This Indian con man famously tried to sell the Taj Mahal to tourists. He pulled off many other scams, becoming a legend. His audacious schemes made some laugh, while others worried about gullible victims.
Victor Lustig – Eiffel Tower (Scam)
Lustig “sold” the Eiffel Tower to scrap metal dealers, twice! He was a master con artist who took advantage of people’s greed. His bold schemes amazed many, but also showed how easily people can be fooled.
Arthur Barry – Jewels from the Rich
Barry was known as the “Gentleman Thief” for robbing wealthy homes in the 1920s. He was polite and never violent during his heists. Some saw him as a Robin Hood figure, while others said he was just a clever criminal.
Bill Mason – Celebrity Jewels
Mason stole jewels from rich and famous people in the 1970s and 80s. He later wrote a book about his crimes. His story raised questions about celebrity culture and the appeal of “gentleman thieves.”
The Pink Panthers – Millions in jewels
This group of thieves has stolen millions worth of jewels in daring heists across the world. Their careful planning and quick getaways have earned them a reputation. While some admire their skills, others worry about the impact of their crimes.
Isaac Newton – Royal Mint Coins
As warden of the Royal Mint, Newton went after counterfeiters. But he also took coins for himself to study metal content. While not exactly stealing, it raised eyebrows. It shows how even famous scientists can bend the rules for their work.
Julian Assange – Classified documents
Assange, founder of WikiLeaks, published stolen classified documents. Some view him as a champion of transparency, while others see him as a thief who endangered national security. His case raises questions about journalism, secrecy, and the public’s right to know.
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