Story perspectives

£26.5 Million Northern Bank Heist Inspires New Film

3/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

In December 2004, armed men forced the families of two Northern Bank executives in Belfast to steal £26.5 million from the bank.
The robbery is one of the largest in British and Irish history and inspired the film No Ordinary Heist, directed by Colin McIvor.
The Irish Republican Army (IRA) was blamed but denied involvement.
Most of the stolen money remains unrecovered.
The film premiered in Belfast after its debut at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.

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Story summary

In December 2004, armed men forced the families of two Northern Bank executives in Belfast to steal £26.5 million from the bank.
The robbery is one of the largest in British and Irish history and inspired the film No Ordinary Heist, directed by Colin McIvor.
The Irish Republican Army (IRA) was blamed but denied involvement.
Most of the stolen money remains unrecovered.
The film premiered in Belfast after its debut at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.