The Great Canadian Maple Syrup Heist: $18 Million Stolen

Between 2011 and 2012, thieves stole nearly 3,000 tons of maple syrup worth $18.7 million CAD from Quebec's Global Strategic Maple Syrup Reserve.

THE METHOD: Thieves rented warehouse space near the reserve, transported barrels, drained the syrup, replaced it with water to maintain weight, and sold the syrup on the black market over several months.

THE DISCOVERY: A routine inspection on July 30, 2012 found water instead of syrup in 9,571 barrels.

THE ARRESTS: 18 people were arrested in December 2012. Ringleader Richard Vallières was sentenced to 8 years and ordered to pay $9.1 million.

THE IRONY: Quebec's strict quota system created a black market that made the heist financially worthwhile. The story went viral worldwide as "the most Canadian crime ever."

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