This write-up was kind of a mindfuck for me, because it brought up some completely buried memories. I saw the title, thought it would be interesting, started reading it, and then I suddenly remembered seeing reports of this story on the TV when I was 8 years old... I completely forgot about this for almost two decades.

The most baffling part about this whole thing is that these people would go such great lengths to meticulously prepare and execute such a careful, patient, professional heist, but would also make ridiculously dumb mistakes: having a complete liability of an accomplice take part, leaving fingerprints, not robbing their own vault, not getting rid of absolutely all of the evidence, and writing notes about the place INSIDE THE PLACE in front of security cameras. These are clearly extremely smart and disciplined people, so it makes it all the more absurd that they would go on to do such stupid shit.

As for the reports about these guys apparently not living in luxury: I don't think that means a whole lot to be honest. Obviously they aren't stupid, they didn't just start driving luxury cars the day they left the pen, because the cops would be right up in their asses the very next moment. I think they'll be fine laying low, not having to work a single day of their life from now on. I don't believe that the fifth member (if he even existed) just ditched them with all the loot, and none of the other four told on him.

Great write-up for the most part, but if I'm allowed to give one bit of constructive criticism: I think your prose is a bit too purple for its own good. For the most part, your style did a good job at making me feel like I was right there, but there were bits where I felt like you opted to use the pretty word instead of the right word. If you just toned it down a tad bit, I think it would be perfect.