According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, there are about 3,000 to 4,000 robberies each year. In 2019 alone, 1.4% of the recorded 267,988 robberies were linked to banks. They lost about $480 million due to these robberies. But have you heard of the modern-day Robinhood and his seemingly good deed two days before Christmas?
David Wayne Oliver, a 65-year-old man, robbed a bank in Colorado two days before Christmas. He then threw the money in the air and wished everyone a Merry Christmas. He then went to a Starbucks where he waited to be arrested.
David Wayne Oliver and His Good Deed
On December 23, 2019, a white-bearded man by the name of David Wayne Oliver robbed Academy Bank in Colorado Springs. Oliver was said to have threatened the teller with a weapon and left the bank with an undisclosed amount of money. But instead of fleeing, he preceded to throw the money up in the air and cheerfully greeted passer-bys a Merry Christmas. He then went to a nearby Starbucks, sat down, and waited to be arrested.
He robbed the bank, came out, threw the money all over the place. He started throwing money out of the bag and then said, ‘Merry Christmas!’
Dion Pascale, witness
(Source: BBC)
What Happened After the Robbery?
After Oliver wandered off, several passers-by were reported to have scooped the money from the street, taken it back inside the bank, and returned it to the bank teller.
Meanwhile, Oliver was arrested. He was also wanted on an unspecified arrest warrant. At the time, he was held at the El Paso County Jail, where he spent Christmas while awaiting his court appearance. (Souce: New York Post)
What Happens When A Bank is Robbed?
A common misconception is that its clients are affected when a bank is robbed. In reality, the stolen money is replaced by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). All banks are insured against these kinds of losses. The money in their accounts is still safe and accounted for as far as the depositors are concerned.
The bank then gives the FBI all the information they would need for the investigation, including the amount of money that was stolen. The amount stolen will be factored in the sentencing of the culprit. The more money stolen, the higher the sentence. And once released, the money would need to be returned. (Source: USA Today)
What is the Biggest Bank Heist of All Time?
The largest bank heist in history happened in Baghdad, Iraq. Surprisingly, the mastermind behind the robbery was the Iraqi dictator, Saddam Hussein.
Right before the Iraq War started in 2003, Hussein sent three trucks to the central bank. He sent his son Qusay Hussein with a handwritten note, indicating the need to withdraw almost $1 billion to keep it safe from enemy hands. The money was loaded onto the vehicles and driven away.
While most of the money was recovered through the ensuing raids, it did not end there. American soldiers who were tasked with counting the loot made off with thousands of dollars for themselves. Around 35 servicemen were caught doing so. (Source: MoneyWise)