Dubbed as ‘The Big Cheese’ for his criminal expertise, Keith Cheeseman appears unapologetic about his past, proudly recounting encounters with notable figures such as The Krays and football icon George Best. He recalls socializing with Morecambe and Wise and holds the distinction of being the sole perpetrator convicted in the UK’s largest bank robbery, the 1990 theft of bearer bonds valued at £850 million today.

Currently residing in retirement on the Turkish Riviera at 83, Cheeseman, who served a six-and-a-half-year sentence for the heist, is featured in a Crime+Investigation documentary titled Heist: Robbing the Bank of England alongside Marcel Theroux. Described as ‘The biggest bank heist no one has heard of,’ the 1990 robbery astonished Theroux, who expressed surprise at its unfamiliarity despite occurring during his early journalistic career in London.

Reflecting on his affluent lifestyle in the early 1970s, Cheeseman reminisces about driving a Lamborghini, enjoying Montecristo cigars, and mingling with glamour models and celebrities, a stark contrast to his humble origins in Luton, Bedfordshire. Despite facing setbacks, notably failing a trial for Dunstable Town as a striker, Cheeseman persevered by acquiring the club and persuading George Best out of retirement, attracting attention for his extravagant lifestyle and financial irregularities.

Transitioning from a shopkeeper’s son to a figure in the criminal underworld, Cheeseman recounts his grievances with the banking system, attributing his criminal activities to a desire for retribution against perceived injustices. During his incarceration for the 1990 robbery, he formed acquaintances with notorious figures like the Krays and the Richardson brothers, sharing anecdotes of their interactions within prison walls.

Maintaining a nonchalant demeanor about his criminal past, Cheeseman distinguishes himself from traditional gangsters, emphasizing his preference for white-collar crime over violent methods. He reflects on the intriguing personalities he encountered, acknowledging the notoriety of individuals like the Krays while distancing himself from their violent tendencies.

Heist: Robbing the Bank of England premieres on Monday, 3rd November, on Crime+Investigation.