Ep 1. Nikolai Radev - The Invader

Australian Crime Stories season 2 episode 1 titled Nikolai Radev - The Invader is a gripping account of the largest bank heist in Australian history. It narrates the story of Nikolai Radev, a Bulgarian migrant who masterminded the daring robbery of the Commonwealth Bank in Blacktown, a suburb of Western Sydney, on the morning of January 13, 1992.

The episode opens with a reconstruction of the crime scene, where Radev and his accomplices broke into the bank and disabled the alarm system before proceeding to loot the safe deposit boxes. The robbery netted them over $16.3 million worth of cash and valuables, making it one of the most audacious and meticulously planned heists of all time.

The documentary recounts the background of Radev, who came to Australia in 1985 as a refugee from communist Bulgaria. A trained engineer, Radev struggled to find work and became involved in petty crime and drug trafficking. He coalesced around a group of like-minded individuals, who would eventually form the nucleus of the bank robbery gang.

Using archival footage, interviews with key investigators, and expert analysis, the episode delves deep into the planning, execution, and aftermath of the heist. It details the elaborate steps that Radev took to gather intelligence on the bank, including posing as a cleaner and renting an office opposite the Blacktown branch. It also explores how he recruited his fellow crooks, some of whom had no prior criminal records, and convinced them to be part of the conspiracy.

Despite their best efforts, the robbers left behind a trail of clues that eventually led the police to their doorstep. The investigation was hampered by the absence of forensic evidence, and Radev's extensive use of encryption and codes to communicate with his accomplices. It was only thanks to some lucky breaks and the testimony of an informant that the police were finally able to catch up with the gang.

The episode paints a vivid picture of the trial that followed, including the prosecution's use of forensic accounting to trace the money, and the defendants' attempts to cut deals with the authorities. It reveals the secrets behind Radev's disappearance while on bail, and his eventual capture in Thailand by the Australian Federal Police.

The episode also features interviews with some of the victims of the robbery, who lost family heirlooms and sentimental treasures in the raid. It explores the psychological impact of the crime on those who were targeted and the sense of betrayal felt by the wider community. It also highlights how the Commonwealth Bank responded to the heist, including its decision to offer full compensation to all the affected customers.

Overall, Australian Crime Stories season 2 episode 1 offers a spellbinding account of one of the most audacious and prolific heists in Australian history. It is a must-watch for fans of true crime, police dramas and all those who are fascinated by the psychology of crime.