Thick as Thieves 2009

Victor Korolenko's death drives Ripley's debt to the Russian mafia

Victor Korolenko was killed by the Russian mafia, leaving Keith Ripley with a debt he must repay. The death occurred before their plan could be finished, setting a high-stakes motive for Ripley. This backstory explains why Ripley needs one final job and colors his desperation.

Ripley recruits Gabriel Martin for one last score

In New York, veteran thief Keith Ripley recruits younger thief Gabriel Martin to help settle his debt to the mob. Ripley presents the job as a risky but lucrative opportunity, testing Martin's loyalty and nerve. The recruitment marks the beginning of their uneasy partnership.

Plan: rob a Russian Museum to seize smuggled treasures

Ripley outlines the target: stealing from a Russian Museum that has been funneling treasures into the country and bribing the NYPD. He frames the heist as a way to fund their escape and avoid a mob hit. The plan relies on deception, precision, and avoiding police scrutiny.

Infiltration: a party at the museum, posing as cops

Martin and Ripley infiltrate the museum party by posing as police, with Ripley using the alias Lt. Weber to gather information about the vault. Their deception buys time to map routes and security. The ruse creates tension as the risk of discovery grows.

Nicky Petrovitch kidnaps Alexandra and demands two Fabergé eggs

The Russian mob leader Nicky Petrovitch kidnaps Alexandra Korolenko, Victor's daughter, and forces Ripley to steal two Fabergé eggs from the Russian Museum to secure her release. The stakes escalate as a ransom tied to the priceless eggs becomes central to the operation. Martin's true role as an undercover cop begins to surface as loyalties are tested.

Martin reveals he's an undercover cop; traps Ripley in the vault

During the vault sequence, Martin reveals he's an undercover Miami cop planted by Weber to trap Ripley. He locks Ripley in the vault and takes the eggs to the mob to free Alexandra, severing the trust between the two men. The betrayal drastically alters the dynamic and pushes events toward a dangerous confrontation.

Alexandra is released; Petrovitch reveals the eggs are wood

Alexandra is released after Martin's actions, and Ripley is forced to meet Petrovitch, who reveals that the eggs they have stolen are made of wood. The fake treasure undermines their confidence and raises the possibility that the heist may have been a setup. The revelation shifts the balance of power back toward the mob.

Weber's team is delayed as guards detain them

Weber and his squad attempt to enter the museum, but Martin's lie about being a cop causes guards to detain them as Ripley's crew escapes. The police presence is diverted and the operation seems to proceed without immediate arrest. The museum's security becomes a temporary non-factor in the ensuing chaos.

Morning police report reveals a fake death twist

The next morning, Martin reports to the police only to learn that the man in custody isn't Petrovitch. He discovers that the man he met was Victor Korolenko, who had faked his own death with Ripley's help. The revelation exposes the depth of Ripley's manipulation and the fragility of Martin's testimony.

Ripley escapes; vault is cleaned of evidence

Ripley had escaped earlier, tipping off the museum that cops were coming and ensuring the vault was cleared of all smuggled items. There is no evidence left to indict the crew, leaving the police with no solid lead. Martin's testimony becomes unreliable as Ripley vanishes with the loot.

Airport taunt: they know Martin was a cop all along

Ripley calls Martin from an airport tarmac, letting him know they knew he was a cop from the start. He hints at a departure with Victor to meet a buyer for the eggs. The call seals Martin's role as a pawn in Ripley's game and foreshadows a future chase.