On July 28, 1989, an assault on an armored van shook the securities transportation company. “Candi SA”. The protagonist of this shocking robbery, known as “The Dioni”managed to flee with a million-dollar sum, leaving a company on the brink of bankruptcy. The planning, precision and execution of this crime surprised authorities and put the security industry on alert.
The theft not only marked a before and after for the affected company, but also left an indelible mark on the collective memory. This criminal act, perpetrated in broad daylight, challenged security systems and revealed the vulnerabilities of a sector that until then seemed infallible.
What was the robbery of the armored van of the company “Candi SA” like?
Friday morning July 28, 1989 It started like any other for the employees of “Candi SA”a company dedicated to the transportation of values. The armored van, loaded with a considerable sum of money, left the headquarters to make its usual collection and delivery trip to various banking entities. However, at one of its stopping points, the plan “The Dioni” began to take shape. The criminal infiltrated the operation by taking advantage of his prior knowledge of security protocols.
The key moment of the assault occurred when the van stopped at a bank branch. With surprising coordination, “El Dioni” and his team neutralized the security guards and took control of the vehicle. Everything happened in matter of minutesand the company’s employees barely had time to react. The precision and speed of the robbery left authorities and the media perplexed.
After ensuring they had control of the van, the thieves drove the vehicle to a pre-selected location, where they transferred the money to another vehicle. The operation was so fast that, when the police arrived at the scene, the criminals had already disappeared without a trace. The theft amounted to several million pesos, and the company was financially devastated.
The immediate impact on “Candi SA” was devastating. Without the stolen funds, the company was unable to meet its financial commitments, leading directly to bankruptcy. In addition, it generated a loss of credibility in the financial sector and a flight of clients that ended up sealing its fate, revealing the flaws in the security and supervision systems.
Dionisio Rodríguez Martín.jfif
What happened to “El Dioni”, author of the robbery
After the spectacular robbery, “El Dioni” He became one of the most wanted criminals in the country and an emblematic figure in the history of crime in Spain after the daring robbery of the armored van on July 28, 1989. As a security guard, his task was to protect a van transporting 298 million pesetas, equivalent to four million euros. However, in an unexpected turn, “El Dioni” decided it was time to change his destiny. With meticulous planning and inside knowledge of the company’s operations, he pulled off the robbery that would transform him from an everyday worker to a multi-millionaire fugitive.
After carrying out the robbery, “El Dioni” did not take long to disappear. He used his security knowledge to avoid capture and managed to flee to Rio de Janeiro, where he started a new life. To hide your identity, He underwent cosmetic surgery that altered his appearance. During his days in Brazil, he enjoyed a life of luxury, spending stolen money on trips, parties, and material goods, which gave him almost legendary notoriety. His story fascinated public opinion, generating both admiration and repulsion, since many saw in him the “good” thief who had challenged the system.
Despite his life of luxury in Brazil, “El Dioni” knew that his freedom was precarious. The Spanish authorities had not forgotten, and the theft remained a hot topic in the media. Over time, international pressure on the Brazilian authorities increased, and eventually, In 1991, “El Dioni” was arrested in Rio de Janeiro.
The capture and trial of this character became a media event that attracted the attention of the entire world. The details about his life, his motivations and the meticulous planning of the robbery surprised many. It was learned that he had worked for years in the company “Candi SA”, which allowed him to obtain privileged information and plan the assault with incredible precision. Despite his attempts to justify his actions, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison, of which he served six.
After his release, he took advantage of his notoriety to become a public figure in Spain, participating in television programs, interviews and reality shows. He wrote a book titled “The Dioni. “Diary of a Thief”where he recounts his experience as a thief and his time in prison. Although he no longer engages in criminal activities, his fame for having lived as a millionaire for 55 days continues to generate interest, and today he lives modestly, collaborating in events and media.
This case not only left a mark on the history of crime in Spain, but also raised questions about the morality and social perception of criminals. Despite committing a serious crime, many saw him as a symbol of resistance against a system that often seemed overwhelming.
Source: Ambito
