The Infamous Lufthansa Heist: Goodfellas In Real Life

Beyond the Big Screen

In this episode of Beyond the Big Screen, Steve and Mustache Chris, the Canadian, focus on the notorious mob associate Henry Hill. The central figure in both the book 'Wise Guy' and the movie 'Goodfellas,' Hill became a state's witness, exposing shocking crimes, including the infamous 1978 Lufthansa heist where nearly $6 million in cash and jewels were stolen, equivalent to over $25 million today. The discussion delves into Hill's background, his despicable actions, and the major players involved in the heist. Key figures like Jimmy Burke, Tommy DeSimone, and the dynamics of the Lucchese crime family and the JFK Airport's link to the mafia are explored. The episode further details the Air France robbery and how Henry Hill’s bust led him to become a state's witness, dramatically altering the course for his associates. post-crime life.
00:00 Introduction and Overview
01:06 Henry Hill: The Man Behind the Mob
06:37 Jimmy Burke: The Ruthless Earner
09:24 The Lucchese Family and JFK Airport
14:58 Tommy DeSimone: The Loose Cannon
23:25 The Air France Robbery: A Prelude to Lufthansa
30:43 The Crew's Drug-Fueled Heist Preparations
31:52 The Heist Goes Awry
33:33 Bumbling Criminals and Near Misses
38:22 Stacks' Fatal Mistake
43:41 Jimmy's Ruthless Cleanup
48:59 Henry Hill's Betrayal and Aftermath
58:47 The Unsolved Mystery of the Missing Money
Transcript URL: https://share.descript.com/view/RNv50LpB10R
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