Further Convictions in 2009 Graff Robbery

Two more suspects have been found guilty of involvement in Britain’s largest jewelry heist. The decision, which was handed down yesterday at Woolwich Crown Court, brings the total number of convictions in the £40 million ($60 million) Graff robbery to four.

Yesterday, Solomun Beyene, 25, and Clinton Mogg, 43, were found guilty of conspiring to rob the luxury London jewelry. Last month, Aman Kassaye, 25, was found guilty of conspiracy to rob, kidnap and possession of a firearm. Thomas Thomas, 46, was found guilty of conspiracy to rob.

In the heist, Kassaye and an accomplice, Craig Calderwood, 27, pulled out handguns and threatened to shoot store employees as they collected 43 rings, necklaces, bracelets, watches and earrings from display cases in the Mayfair store. Among the stolen items they took was a diamond necklace worth £3.5 million ($5.3 million). The record haul has yet to be recovered.

The pair left the New Bond Street store just two minutes after they entered, kidnapping a sales associate to shield them as they escaped. A short gun fight erupted before the robbers entered a car and fled the scene.

The jury failed to convict Calderwood for his role in the heist. He admitted taking part in the robbery, but has claimed that he did so under duress from underworld threats made against him and his family. He may be called back for a retrial.

Four other men have been cleared of conspiracy charges.