Fact Check: California men charged in largest jewellery heist in US history, stealing $100 million.

Fact Check: California Men Charged in Largest Jewelry Heist in US History, Stealing $100 Million

What We Know

In June 2025, seven men were charged in connection with a jewelry heist that prosecutors have labeled the "largest jewelry heist in U.S. history." The incident occurred on July 10, 2022, when the defendants allegedly stole approximately $100 million worth of gold, diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and luxury watches from a Brinks armored truck. The theft took place at a rest stop in Lebec, California, as the truck was transporting the jewelry from an international jewelry show in San Mateo to another show in Pasadena (Washington Post, BBC).

The defendants, identified as Carlos Victor Mestanza Cercado, Jorge Enrique Alban, Jazael Padilla Resto, Eduardo Macias Ibarra, Pablo Raul Lugo Larroig, Jeson Nelon Presilla Flores, and Victor Hugo Valencia Solorzano, were charged with conspiracy to commit theft and other related offenses. The indictment details how the suspects tracked the Brinks truck for approximately 300 miles before executing the theft, which involved stealing 24 bags of jewelry while the truck was parked (USA Today, The Guardian).

Analysis

The claim that California men were charged in the largest jewelry heist in U.S. history, stealing $100 million, is supported by multiple credible sources. The Justice Department's announcement and subsequent news reports confirm the details of the heist and the charges against the suspects. The heist's scale is underscored by the estimated value of the stolen goods, which has been consistently reported as approximately $100 million (People, ABC Action News).

While some reports indicate that the jewelers involved have disputed the value of the stolen goods, claiming it to be closer to $9 million, the charges and the context of the heist remain intact (Los Angeles Times). This discrepancy highlights the complexities often involved in high-value thefts, particularly regarding insurance claims and legal battles.

The sources used in this fact-check are reputable news organizations and official statements from the Justice Department, which adds to their reliability. The consistent reporting across various outlets reinforces the accuracy of the claim.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that California men were charged in the largest jewelry heist in U.S. history, involving the theft of $100 million worth of jewelry, is accurate. The details surrounding the heist, including the identities of the suspects and the nature of the charges, are well-documented and corroborated by multiple credible sources.

Sources

1. 7 charged in $100 million California jewelry heist
2. Seven California men charged in 'largest jewellery heist' in US history
3. Seven California men charged with 'largest jewelry heist in US history'
4. Feds charge 7 men in connection to $100M jewelry heist
5. Biggest jewel heist in US history: 7 charged with stealing $100 million worth of gold, diamonds, and other precious gems
6. 7 Men Charged with Stealing $100 Million Worth of Gold
7. 7 charged with 'largest jewelry heist in U.S. history' for Brinks truck robbery
8. 7 Californians charged in 'largest jewelry heist in US history'