On December 11, 1978, a daring heist took place at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, marking one of the most significant robberies in American history. The Lufthansa heist, as it came to be known, involved a group of thieves who infiltrated the Lufthansa cargo building, escaping with an estimated $5.9 million in cash and jewelry—equivalent to over $27 million today.
The Heist
The robbery began in the early hours of the morning when a stolen Ford Econoline van pulled up to the Lufthansa cargo terminal. Six masked men, armed and wearing gloves, entered the building using a key provided by Louis Werner, a Lufthansa employee involved in the planning. They quickly overpowered the night shift employees, forcing them into the lunchroom at gunpoint. The robbers then tricked the night shift manager, Rudi Eirich, into opening the vault and deactivating the alarm system.
Within 64 minutes, the thieves had loaded 40 cartons of cash and jewelry into the van and escaped. The employees were instructed to wait 15 minutes before calling the police, which they did to the minute. The robbers then met at an auto repair shop in Brooklyn, where they switched vehicles and dispersed.
Connection to Organized Crime
The Lufthansa heist was linked to the Lucchese crime family, with James Burke, a notorious mobster, believed to be the mastermind behind the operation. Burke was never officially charged in connection with the crime but was suspected of orchestrating the murders of several co-conspirators to avoid being implicated and to retain control of the stolen funds.
Investigation and Aftermath
Despite being one of the most investigated crimes in U.S. history, the Lufthansa heist remained largely unsolved for decades. Only Louis Werner, a Lufthansa employee, was convicted and served time in connection with the robbery. The majority of the stolen money was never recovered, and many suspects either disappeared or were killed in the years following the heist.
The investigation led to a crackdown on organized crime, with several members of the Lucchese crime family facing charges for unrelated crimes. Henry Hill, a key figure in the heist, became an FBI informant and provided crucial testimony that led to the conviction of several associates.
Cultural Impact
The Lufthansa heist gained widespread attention due to its brazen nature and connection to organized crime. It was immortalized in the book “Wiseguy” by Nicholas Pileggi, which was later adapted into the film “Goodfellas,” directed by Martin Scorsese. The movie brought the story to a broader audience, cementing the heist’s place in American crime lore.
Fun Facts About the Lufthansa Heist
- Date and Location: The heist occurred on December 11, 1978, at JFK Airport in New York.
- Amount Stolen: Approximately $5.9 million, equivalent to over $27 million today.
- Organized Crime Link: The robbery was linked to the Lucchese crime family.
- Investigation: Only one person, Louis Werner, was convicted in connection with the heist.
- Cultural Significance: Featured in the book “Wiseguy” and the film “Goodfellas.”
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Conclusion The 1978 Lufthansa heist stands as a testament to the audacity and complexity of organized crime operations in the late 20th century. Its impact extends beyond the financial loss, influencing popular culture and law enforcement strategies. Despite the passage of time, the mystery surrounding the heist continues to captivate audiences, serving as a reminder of the enduring allure of true crime stories.
