The Lufthansa heist was orchestrated by a group that included Jimmy Burke, a known associate of the Lucchese crime family. On December 11, 1978, the crew targeted the Lufthansa cargo building at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York City. Utilizing inside information, the robbers knew the exact timing and nature of the cargo to be dispatched. They arrived at the facility with a significant plan that involved disguises and deception, tricking the airport staff and security into believing they were authorized personnel. Once inside, they took control of the workers and efficiently loaded millions of dollars in cash and jewelry into their getaway vehicles. Altogether, the haul was approximated at around $5 million in cash and over $875,000 in jewelry, a staggering sum that at that time marked it as the largest cash heist in American history.The aftermath of the heist left authorities baffled. Despite several investigations, the robbery remained unsolved for the time being, highlighting the staggering infiltration of organized crime into American business. Over time, many individuals associated with the heist met with violent ends, as those involved in organized crime often face dire consequences for their participation in such high-stakes criminal operations. The heist has since entered popular culture, inspiring films and documentaries focused on the immense planning that went into the crime and the lives of those it affected.