Ran Faed, a notorious French criminal, executed a spectacular prison escape using a hijacked helicopter, showcasing a life of crime inspired by films and a series of daring heists. His story reflects the complexities of his character, from a troubled childhood to becoming a media sensation, ultimately leading to a lengthy prison sentence.
On July 1st, 2018, at 9:20 a.m., a high-security prison south of Paris, one of the largest and most modern detention centers in France, became the scene of an audacious escape. With hundreds of guards, massive 17-meter walls lined with barbed wire, and watchtowers manned by snipers, the facility was designed to be impenetrable. Yet, within its walls, inmate number 001 0189, Ran Faed, was about to pull off one of the most spectacular prison breaks in history.
Ran Faed was not just any prisoner; he was the most heavily guarded inmate in France, known for his involvement in at least 30 robberies, some of which included hostages. His criminal career was marked by a daring escape from another high-security prison in 2013, where he used a smuggled gun and explosives. Despite his violent past, Faed was known for his easygoing demeanor, making him surprisingly likable to the guards.
Meanwhile, outside the prison, 65-year-old flight instructor Stefon B was preparing for a flight with two new students, Frederi and Julian, a father-son duo. Unbeknownst to him, they were not just eager learners; they were part of a meticulously planned operation to rescue Faed. After a brief stop, the pair revealed their true intentions, brandishing weapons and threatening Stefon, claiming they had been watching him and knew where his family lived.
To understand Faed's life of crime, we must go back to his childhood. Born in 1972 to Algerian immigrant parents in a suburb near Paris, Faed grew up in poverty, sharing a cramped apartment with nine siblings. His early experiences with theft began when he was just six years old, leading to a life of crime that escalated through his teenage years. Inspired by French crime thrillers and American gangster films, Faed's criminal activities became more daring and elaborate.
At 18, Faed committed his first bank robbery, armed and threatening a bank employee with lines straight from the movies. His crimes grew bolder, culminating in a heist where he and his crew took hostages while wearing rubber masks of famous politicians. Faed's fascination with films like "Heat" and "Reservoir Dogs" fueled his ambition to pull off the ultimate heist: robbing an armored truck.
In a meticulously planned operation, Faed and his crew executed a heist on a six-ton armored truck, armed with AK-47s and explosives. However, the operation went awry, resulting in a shootout with police and Faed sustaining a gunshot wound. Despite the chaos, he managed to escape, but the police were now on his trail, armed with his DNA from the crime scene.
Back in prison, Faed was awaiting a visit from his brother when the helicopter, piloted by Stefon B, descended into the prison yard. The escape was orchestrated with precision; Faed had been writing letters to Stefon's stepdaughter for two years, establishing a connection that would facilitate his escape. As the helicopter hovered above, chaos erupted in the prison, with guards unable to respond effectively due to protocols against firing at flying aircraft.
At 11:28 a.m., Faed made his move. He stormed out of the visiting room, greeted by his accomplices who had cut through the prison's reinforced doors. As he climbed into the helicopter, inmates watched in disbelief, some even applauding the audacity of the escape. The news of Faed's prison break spread like wildfire, elevating him to a new level of notoriety.
Despite his newfound freedom, Faed's time on the run was short-lived. Authorities tracked him down three months later, where he was found hiding in his hometown, disguised under a burka. His trial in 2020 was marked by extreme security measures, and he was ultimately sentenced to 39 years in prison for his crimes, including the death of a police officer during a robbery gone wrong.
Ran Faed's life is a complex tapestry of crime, inspiration from cinema, and a quest for adrenaline. His story reflects not only the allure of a life of crime but also the consequences that follow. As he sits in solitary confinement, Faed's narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the seductive nature of crime and the harsh realities that come with it. His earliest possible release date is set for 2060, when he will be 88 years old, a stark reminder of the price of his choices.
