(Credit: Netflix)

Netflix dwells in the world of fiction just as much as its fellow streaming counterparts. But nothing contests the fact that the reel is shaped by reality itself. Amid its action-packed ammo that saw spring bloom a little too differently, Netflix hit bullseye with another genre: documentaries. From the renewal of the American Manhunt series to the latest entry of Bad Influence: Dark Side of Kidfluencing, Netflix has been an eye-opener. But did you know about The Diamond Heist and the real story behind it?

Produced from the starry coattails of The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare director Guy Ritchie, The Diamond Heist is a Netflix documentary that premiered on April 16th 2025. It chronicles the tale of the most brazen robbery of modern history. Though the docu-series consists of only three episodes, they are colossal in impact. Right ahead of the release, the anticipation was through the roof about The Diamond Heist.

Even after the streaming drop, the frenzy is palpable. The reason? Firstly, it is based on a true story. Second, and most importantly, The Diamond Heist brings to the forefront a crucial moment in recent history for those oblivious in real time. That said, heist stories on Netflix have a different fan base. Yet, nothing tingles down the spine like the real chillers.

So, for those curious about what lies underneath Netflix’s The Diamond Heist, here’s unravelling the ice berg of truth.

What is The Diamond Heist all about?

The Diamond Heist tells the story of the most audacious theft of the 21st century, AKA the Millennium Star Heist. The robbery was organised and conducted by a thieves’ guild from South-East London. Back in 2000, a 350m GBP diamond (203.04-carat), Millennium Star, was exhibited in the Millennium Dome in London.

Despite a fortress-like security to safeguard the stone, a group of criminals were smart enough to pull the wool over their eyes. Lee Wenham was one of the perpetrators who, with his allies, managed to rob the diamond and flee on a speedboat on the Thames. However, the cops eventually busted the robbers in 2002. Each and every one was sent to jail. But Wenham served his time in prison, came out on parole, and The Diamond Heist was born on Netflix.

Netflix’s The Diamond Heist features Wenham narrating one of the most significant heists of modern times. He gives a vocal blueprint of how he planned the entire robbery with his fellow lawbreakers, even after the best-in-class security, while dazzling the police officers with smoke and mirrors. Additionally, the docu-series comprises interviews with security personnel who were in charge of the Millennium Dome back then.

Netflix also included the CCTV footage from the Millennium Dome. While The Diamond Heist already peels back on what remained buried in the heist, it further gives viewers a glimpse of the psychologies that make and break a criminal.