Rédoine Faïd, France's most infamous criminal, has captivated the public with his audacious heists, daring escapes, and larger-than-life persona. A self-proclaimed adrenaline junkie and movie buff, Faïd's life reads like a Hollywood script, blending elements of French crime thrillers and American gangster flicks. But behind the cinematic flair lies a complex individual whose actions have had real-world consequences, including traumatized hostages and the death of a young police officer.
Early Life and Influences
Born in 1978 in a suburb near Paris, Rédoine Faïd's early life was marked by economic hardship and social alienation. His parents, Algerian immigrants, struggled to make ends meet, and Faïd grew up in a cramped apartment with nine siblings. Experiencing racism and feeling like an outsider fueled his desire to break free from the confines of his circumstances.
Faïd found solace and inspiration in the world of film, particularly French crime thrillers and American gangster movies. He would watch them repeatedly, memorizing entire scenes and acting them out for his family. These films provided him with a blueprint for his future criminal endeavors, shaping his style and tactics.
Descent into Crime
As a teenager, Faïd turned to theft as a way of life. He and his friends would steal TVs, stereos, VCRs, car radios, and computers, using the money to buy Adidas sneakers and flashy tracksuits. But his ambitions soon grew beyond petty crime.
At the age of 18, Faïd committed his first bank robbery, armed and quoting lines from French crime films. This marked a turning point in his life, as he embraced a life of crime with a sense of purpose and determination. Faïd's crimes became increasingly elaborate and daring, directly inspired by American action films.
•During one heist, he and his crew wore rubber masks of famous politicians, mimicking a scene from the movie Point Break.
•In another hostage situation, Faïd and his men dressed in sharp black suits, paying homage to Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs, even adopting color-coded aliases.
Faïd's ultimate goal was to replicate the armored truck heist from Michael Mann's film Heat. He meticulously planned and executed a similar operation, using a car to ram the armored truck and employing AK-47s and an explosive-looking package to intimidate the guards. However, the heist was not as seamless as in the movie. Police arrived on the scene, and Faïd was shot in the shoulder while escaping with his crew. The police obtained his DNA from the crime scene, leading to his eventual capture.
First Prison Escape and Attempted Redemption
Following his capture, Faïd was sentenced to 18 years in jail for armed robbery. After serving just under nine years, he was granted parole for good behavior. He presented himself as a changed man, claiming to have learned his lesson. He got married, took an office job, and even attended a film event where he met Michael Mann, the director of Heat.
However, Faïd's attempt at redemption was short-lived. He soon returned to his criminal ways, orchestrating a shocking crime that would shake the entire country.
The Death of Aurélie Fouquet
In May 2010, two police officers, Aurélie Fouquet and her partner, were on routine patrol when they were called to assist in the pursuit of a white van. The occupants of the van were criminals who had attempted to rob an armored cash truck but were thwarted by a routine traffic stop.
As Fouquet and her partner arrived at an intersection, the gang opened fire on their patrol car, piercing the windshield with 16 bullets. Fouquet was hit multiple times and died later that day.
The murder of Aurélie Fouquet sparked outrage across France. President Nicolas Sarkozy posthumously awarded her a medal of honor and vowed to bring her killers to justice.
Initially, Faïd maintained an airtight alibi and denied any involvement in the crime. He even appeared as an "expert" on this type of heist in a documentary. However, investigators eventually uncovered surveillance footage that placed him inside the white van used by the criminals. Although he was not present during the shooting, he was identified as the mastermind behind the operation.
Second Imprisonment and Daring Helicopter Escape
After a year on the run, Faïd was captured again and sent back to prison. In July 2018, he orchestrated a spectacular escape from a high-security prison with the help of accomplices.
A helicopter landed in the prison courtyard, and armed men used an angle grinder to cut through the doors leading to the visiting room where Faïd was waiting. The helicopter pilot, Stefon B, had been hijacked and forced to fly to the prison.
•Two men dressed in black bulletproof vests and AK-47s took control of the helicopter.
•The helicopter pilot was forced to fly to a clearing where he was met by two more men.
•The pilot was then ordered to fly to the prison to pick up Faïd.
•They used smoke grenades to create confusion and obscure the scene.
•The angle grinder sliced through the metal, and Faïd was free.
The escape was meticulously planned and executed, highlighting Faïd's ability to manipulate and control others. The prison guards were caught off guard and unable to react effectively. As the helicopter lifted off, dozens of inmates cheered and applauded.
Aftermath and Final Capture
News of Faïd's prison break spread worldwide, further cementing his status as a notorious criminal. He became the country's most wanted man, and authorities launched a massive manhunt.
Three months later, Faïd was tracked down to an apartment in his hometown. He had been disguising himself under a burka during public outings.
Trials and Sentencing
Faïd stood two separate trials for his role in Fouquet's death and his two escapes from prison. He was sentenced to a total of 39 years in jail. His lawyer claims he has been held in solitary confinement since 2019, subjected to frequent strip searches and heavily guarded during phone calls. Faïd himself has expressed feeling buried alive. His earliest possible release date is 2060, when he would be 88 years old.
Legacy
Rédoine Faïd's story is a cautionary tale of the allure of crime and the consequences of violence. While his cinematic heists and daring escapes have earned him a certain notoriety, they have also caused immense suffering and trauma.
Faïd's life serves as a reminder that even the most charismatic and intelligent individuals can be led astray by their desires and ambitions. His story also highlights the importance of addressing social inequality and providing opportunities for disadvantaged youth to break free from the cycle of crime.
Rédoine Faïd remains one of France's most infamous criminals, a figure whose life has been both captivating and destructive.
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