What is the Adams family's connection to Hatton Garden?

The Adams family, also known as the Clerkenwell Crime Syndicate, has allegedly maintained control and influence over London's Hatton Garden diamond district for approximately 45 years.

Who is Terry Adams, and what was his role?

Terry Adams, nicknamed the 'British Godfather,' was at the helm of the Clerkenwell Crime Syndicate, involved in activities such as extortion and drug trafficking in Hatton Garden.

Who is suspected of carrying out recent jewelry heists in London?

Recent high-value jewelry heists in London are suspected to be carried out by foreign gangs, possibly from Albania and Romania, with items reportedly destined for Dubai.

Home / Crime and Justice / Hatton Garden's 45-Year Grip: Adams Family's Shadow

Hatton Garden's 45-Year Grip: Adams Family's Shadow

3 Feb

•

Summary

The Adams family has controlled Hatton Garden for 45 years.
Terry Adams, the 'British Godfather', led extortion and drug trafficking.
Recent jewel heists are suspected to be by foreign gangs targeting Dubai.

Hatton Garden's 45-Year Grip: Adams Family's Shadow

The Hatton Garden diamond district has been under the long-standing influence of the Adams crime family, also known as the Clerkenwell Crime Syndicate, for nearly 45 years. Led by Terry Adams, who earned the moniker 'British Godfather,' the syndicate engaged in widespread criminal activities including extortion and drug trafficking, reportedly even involvement in gangland killings.

Despite the principal brothers—Terry, Tommy, and Patrick—now being in their late sixties and seventies, their name still commands significant fear within the trade. Sources suggest their continued influence acts as a deterrent against theft in the area, with petty criminals reportedly avoiding the district due to the family's presence.

While the family's criminal careers began with extortion and robberies, they pivoted to drug trafficking by the mid-eighties. The syndicate is also believed to have laundered money through diamond merchants and other businesses. Patsy Adams was known for his brutality, allegedly pioneering the use of hit-men on motorbikes for assassinations.