Ronald Biggs (1929-2013) was a notorious British criminal who gained infamy primarily for his role in the Great Train Robbery of 1963. He was born in London, England, and became involved in various criminal activities from an early age. However, it was his participation in the heist that propelled him to international recognition.
The Great Train Robbery was considered one of the most audacious and well-executed robberies in British history. Biggs, along with a gang of other criminals, intercepted a Royal Mail train, tampered with the lines, and made off with a substantial amount of money. The event captivated the public's imagination and became a sensationalized media story.
Following the robbery, Biggs managed to evade capture for several years by hiding in multiple countries, often with the help of accomplices. However, he eventually settled in Brazil, where he lived openly and publicized his involvement in the heist. Extradition efforts from the British government were unsuccessful, as Brazil had no extradition treaty in place at the time.
Biggs' notoriety grew, and he became something of a folk hero, primarily due to his daring escape and flamboyant personality. In 2001, he voluntarily returned to the UK and was arrested to serve the remainder of his sentence. However, due to ill health, he was released on compassionate grounds in 2009.
Ronald Biggs' life personifies the criminal mastermind archetype, and his story continues to captivate the public's imagination as an example of audacious criminality and the subsequent pursuit of justice.
