Where is Ray Betson Now? From Diamond Heist Mastermind to Charity Work

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In simpler terms, “Guy Ritchie’s new Netflix documentary, The Diamond Heist,” is about an incredible plan to break into the Millennium Dome and swipe a massive £350 million worth of diamonds, masterminded by the experienced crook Ray Betson.

In the year 2000, Betson strategized with his accomplice Lee Wenham on an audacious scheme: they would forcefully break into the freshly constructed Millennium Dome, make a beeline for the De Beers exhibition, and walk away with their haul – which included the Millennium Star diamond, weighing 203 carats.

From a thrill-seeker’s perspective, if our daring crew had managed to pull off the heist, it would have undeniably earned a place among the greatest capers ever recorded. However, as detailed in the gripping Netflix documentary, it turns out that the authorities were already hot on their trail. Not only did they interview the law enforcement personnel involved, but “The Diamond Heist” also gives us Wenham’s perspective on the events that unfolded.

For the very first time, the charming outlaw opens up about his past adventures, offering a behind-the-scenes look at a real-life crime story reminiscent of a classic gangster film. However, there’s no mention of Betson in this account.

Where is Ray Betson now?

Despite being arrested on robbery charges once more, Betson seems to be turning his past into something positive. In 2024, he spoke at London’s AP Foundation, a charity focused on the rehabilitation of former inmates, to assist a group of challenging-to-reach young individuals.

As a passionate fan, I excitedly posted a collection of pictures on Instagram from an enlightening event, where the AP Foundation organized a sequence of Q&A sessions. Remarkable figures like Ray Betson, a reformed ex-offender known for the Millennium Dome heist, graced our AP Foundation Hub to engage with groups of young people who are typically hard to reach.

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One goal was to assist peer mentors in developing a deeper comprehension of the criminal justice system, particularly from a firsthand perspective.

In January 2023, it was announced by the AP Foundation that Betson had participated in a charitable boxing match organized by a non-profit organization, demonstrating his growth and progress since leaving prison.

Ray Betson was arrested again 

It wasn’t until a steep learning experience that Betson managed to change his life’s direction. In the year 2012, not long after completing his sentence for the Millennium Dome heist, he was apprehended again due to a failed robbery attempt.

On this occasion, Betson, along with several unidentified males, forcefully entered a Loomis vault in Kent. Their intention was to make off with over a million pounds.

In their attempt to gain entry, they employed a digger that was illegally obtained, which unfortunately led them to break down the incorrect wall. Additionally, their escape plan went awry when their car became trapped in the mire.

It’s worth noting that only Betson was taken into custody after the police discovered his genetic material on a discarded balaclava. In the year 2014, he received a sentence of 13 years, with approximately 6 to 7 years spent in actual imprisonment, while the remainder of his time was served under supervised release.

By 2025, it appears that the architect behind The Diamond Heist has been released from prison. Nowadays, his efforts seem to be directed towards the AP Foundation, where he’s channeling his past experiences into aiding others.

The Diamond Caper is currently available for streaming on Netflix. Take a look at the latest true-crime documentaries being released this month, discover what’s happening with Con Mum now, and learn how you can tune in to To Dye For.

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2025-04-17 14:21