Edmond Vidal, the Last Living Link to Lyon’s Infamous Gang, Dies at 79

Edmond Vidal, an emblematic figure of the famous Lyonnais gang, died at the age of 79, following pancreatic cancer. Known by the nickname “Momon“, he was one of the last survivors of the criminal group that marked France in the 1960s and 1970s. A look back at the life of a robber with an extraordinary career.

Edmond Vidal, alias “Momon”died on the night of September 8-9 at the age of 79. This big name in banditry had been one of the leaders of the infamous Lyonnais gang, a group specializing in spectacular robberies. The information, revealed by Lyon Maghas been confirmed by several sources. Vidal had been suffering from pancreatic cancer, which he had been battling for years.

The heist of the century

Among Edmond Vidal’s “feats of arms”, the most resounding remains his participation in the “heist of the century”. On June 30, 1971, in the early morning, five men including Joseph Vidal held up the Strasbourg post office. In just a few minutes, they made off with a colossal haul of 12 million francs, or about 7 million euros. This criminal exploit remains one of the most famous in French history.

Arrested in 1977, Vidal was sentenced to 10 years in prison for a series of robberies. Released in 1982, he chose to move away from the spotlight and lead a more discreet life.

The “gypsy of Décines”

Originally from Décines, on the outskirts of Lyon, Edmond Vidal, nicknamed the “gypsy from Décines”established himself as the leader of the Lyonnais gang. He readily recounted that his first crime had been the theft of a crate of cherries, an act which had earned him a first stay behind bars according to ActuThis early past in delinquency will be the prelude to a long career in organized crime.

The Last Witness

While many members of the gang met an untimely end, Vidal was one of the few survivors. With his death, there is now only one member of the group alive: Jean-Pierre Gandeboeuf, aka “Christo”The latter becomes the last witness of this era when the Lyon gang was active on French territory.

Here is a PAA (People Also Ask) related question for‍ the title “Edmond Vidal, the Legendary⁤ Leader of the Lyonnais Gang, Dies at⁢ 79”:

Edmond Vidal, the Legendary Leader of the Lyonnais Gang, Dies at 79

Edmond Vidal, alias “Momon”, the notorious leader of the Lyonnais gang, has passed away ⁤at the age of 79, following a long battle with pancreatic cancer [[2]]. ⁣Vidal was one of the last surviving members of the infamous criminal group that marked France in ‍the 1960s and 1970s. His​ remarkable ⁣career as ⁤a robber and bandit ⁤has left an indelible‌ mark on the history ⁣of French crime.

The Heist of the ‌Century

Among Vidal’s numerous “feats of arms”, the most ⁢resounding ​remains his participation in ‍the ⁢”heist of the century” [[1]]. ‍On June 30, 1971, five​ men, including Vidal, held up the Strasbourg post office, making off ‍with a colossal haul of 12 million francs, or about 7 million euros. This criminal exploit remains one of the most famous in French ‍history.

The “Gypsy​ of⁢ Décines”

Originally ⁣from ⁣Décines, on the outskirts of Lyon, Vidal was nicknamed the “gypsy from Décines” [[3]]. ‌He established himself as the leader of the Lyonnais⁢ gang,‌ readily recounting that ⁤his first crime had been​ the ⁤theft ⁢of a crate⁤ of cherries, ​which earned him his first stay behind bars.

Life ⁤Behind Bars

Arrested ⁣in 1977, Vidal was sentenced to 10 years in‌ prison for a series of robberies. Released in 1982, he chose to ‌move away from the spotlight and lead a more discreet life.

Legacy of a Criminal Kingpin

Edmond Vidal’s extraordinary career⁤ as a robber and ⁣bandit has left a lasting impact on French criminal ‍history. As one of the last surviving members‍ of the Lyonnais gang, his passing marks the‌ end of an era in French crime. Despite his colorful past,‌ Vidal will be‌ remembered for ⁤his remarkable exploits and his place⁢ in the annals of French crime history.

References:

[1] ⁤ https://tribunedelyon.fr/culture/edmond-vidal-roi-des-gitans-et-bandit-assume-est-mort/

[2] https://france3-regions.francetvinfo.fr/auvergne-rhone-alpes/rhone/lyon/edmond-vidal-du-gang-des-lyonnais-est-mort-il-aura-marque-l-histoire-criminelle-des-annees-60-et-70-en-france-2901134.html

[3] https://www.leprogres.fr/faits-divers-justice/2024/09/09/hold-up-prison-et-cinema-edmond-vidal-figure-du-legendaire-gang-des-lyonnais-est-mort

Here are some PAA (People Also Ask) related questions for the title “Edmond Vidal: The Legendary Leader of the Lyonnais Gang”:

Edmond Vidal: The Legendary Leader of the Lyonnais Gang

Edmond Vidal, known by his nickname “Momon,” was an emblematic figure of the infamous Lyonnais gang, a group notorious for their spectacular robberies in France during the 1960s and 1970s [[2]]. Vidal’s extraordinary career as a robber and his involvement in one of the most famous heists in French history have made him a legendary figure.

The Heist of the Century

Vidal’s most notable exploit is his participation in the “heist of the century,” also known as the “Casse du siècle” [[3]]. On June 30, 1971, Vidal, along with four other men, held up the Strasbourg post office, making off with a staggering 12 million francs, equivalent to approximately 7 million euros today. This daring heist remains one of the most famous in French history.

The “Gypsy of Décines”

Born in Décines, a suburb of Lyon, Vidal earned the nickname “le gitan de Décines” (the gypsy of Décines) due to his Romani origins [[1]]. Growing up in a marginalized community, Vidal turned to a life of crime at an early age, eventually becoming one of the leaders of the Lyonnais gang.

A Life of Crime

Vidal’s criminal career was marked by a series of daring robberies, earning him a reputation as one of the most skilled thieves of his time. However, his luck eventually ran out when he was arrested in 1977 and sentenced to 10 years in prison for his involvement in multiple robberies [[1]]. Released in 1982, Vidal chose to leave his life of crime behind, opting for a more discreet existence.

Legacy and Death

Edmond Vidal died on September 8-9, 2023, at the age of 79, following a long battle with pancreatic cancer [[1]]. His death marked the end of an era, as he was one of the last surviving members of the Lyonnais gang. Despite his tumultuous past, Vidal’s legend has endured, inspires numerous films, books, and documentaries, including the 2011 movie “A Gang Story” [[2]].

Edmond Vidal’s extraordinary life is a testament to the allure and danger of a life of crime. His involvement in the “heist of the century” and his leadership of the Lyonnais gang have cemented his place in French criminal history, making him a legendary figure.

References:

[[1]]https://www.moviesinspired.it/home-video/item/70-gang-story

[[2]]https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/AGangStory

[[3]]https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/GangdesLyonnais