Brains behind the £26million Brink’s-Mat bullion robbery has died penniless
THE brains behind the £26million Brink’s-Mat bullion robbery has died penniless.
Brian “The Colonel” Robinson, 78, was “cheated” out of his share of the record haul.
He was the “draftsman” of the Crime of the Century at a warehouse on Heathrow’s perimeter in 1983.
The stolen 6,800 gold ingots, diamonds and cash would be worth £100million today.
The theft changed the face of the British underworld.
It unleashed a trail of eight murders and a global hunt for the treasure. Robinson had recruited warehouse guard Tony Black, his brother-in-law — who then squealed on him.
The Colonel, nicknamed for his dapper look and organisational skills, was jailed for 25 years along with fellow ringleader Micky McAvoy.
An associate said: “Robbo didn’t get a tanner when he got out. He was f***** over by people he trusted.” Most of the gold has never been found. Robinson took the secrets of the robbery to his grave, dying in a nursing home at Kidbrooke, South East London, on February 28 — his birthday — after a long illness.
Family and friends have delayed the funeral until April 12 to hold a wake for him on licensed premises.
GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk