If you’re into gripping true crime stories and stylish British flair, you’ll want to make time for The Diamond Heist—a new documentary that’s taken Netflix by storm.
Directed by none other than Guy Ritchie, this three-part series dives into one of the most daring attempted robberies in UK history, and fans can’t stop raving about it.
Since its release earlier this month, The Diamond Heist has not only captivated viewers but also dethroned Black Mirror from the top spot on Netflix’s most-watched list.
Social media is buzzing with praise for the documentary, and it’s easy to see why.
As one viewer put it: “If you’re a Guy Ritchie fan, you need to watch this immediately.”
From Hollywood Vibes to Real British Crime
Guy Ritchie, best known for directing gritty, fast-talking gangster films like Snatch and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, has now brought his storytelling skills to the world of documentary.
But this isn’t just any old crime story—it’s based on the real 2000 attempted robbery of the Millennium Dome in London.
The series features firsthand accounts from both sides of the drama: former gang member Lee Wenham and detectives from the Metropolitan Police’s elite Flying Squad.
The whole operation reads like a movie script—except it actually happened.
The Heist That Could’ve Been a Blockbuster
So what went down exactly? Picture this: armed with ammonia and smoke grenades, a group of ruthless criminals bulldozed into the Millennium Dome in November 2000.
Their target? The De Beers Millennium Jewels exhibit, which featured some of the rarest and most valuable blue diamonds in the world—worth nearly £700 million in today’s money.
Their plan was wild. Smash the cases, grab the diamonds (including the 203-carat Millennium Star), and make a James Bond-style getaway via speedboat on the Thames.
Unfortunately for them, the police were always one step ahead.
A Sting Operation Straight Out of a Thriller
Thanks to months of meticulous surveillance, the police knew everything.
The jewels had been replaced with fakes, and as the gang went in, over 140 officers were waiting to swoop in.
Some were armed, and the entire operation was caught on camera.
As one gang member later admitted: “We would’ve got away with it, if not for the 140 cops waiting for us.”
It might sound like a comedy of errors, but these guys were no joke.
The police described the gang as “extremely ruthless,” and many believed they were stealing to order for Russian buyers.
The level of planning that went into the heist—including renting a farm in Kent for training and logistics—was staggering.
From Dome to Disaster: The Story Behind the Setting
Back in 2000, the Millennium Dome was opened with major pomp.
VIPs like the late Queen Elizabeth and Prime Minister Tony Blair were among the first to step inside.
But despite all the fanfare, the public reception was underwhelming, and visitor numbers were half of what was expected.
Still, inside that iconic white dome was a treasure trove: the De Beers Millennium Jewels.
That sparkling collection was what ultimately lured the criminal underworld to hatch a plan that, while doomed to fail, is still talked about over two decades later.
Nostalgia, Flashbacks, and That Classic British Edge
Viewers have praised The Diamond Heist not only for its captivating storytelling but also for its nostalgic atmosphere.
One fan wrote, “Loved how British it felt—great flashbacks and storytelling. It was like reliving that era.”
With only three episodes, many say they binged the whole thing in one sitting.
It’s that entertaining. The blend of real-life interviews, stylized reconstructions, and classic Guy Ritchie touches makes for an experience that’s part thriller, part historical retelling.
A Must-Watch for Crime Buffs and Ritchie Fans Alike
If you love true crime, British history, or just a really well-told story, this is your next binge.
It’s fascinating, fast-paced, and full of twists—even if you already know how it ends. One viewer summed it up perfectly: “Fantastic.
The last sentence of the series is so funny. Defo a must-watch documentary.”
The Diamond Heist is now streaming on Netflix. Just make sure you have snacks ready—you won’t want to hit pause.