Berlin's Original Crew
The legendary thieves who forged Berlin before he met the Professor.
Berlin's Original Crew refers to the informal network of thieves led by Andrés de Fonollosa before his involvement in the Royal Mint of Spain heist. While not a formal organization with a public name, this group is central to understanding Berlin's backstory and psychological profile. It consists of unnamed accomplices who operated during his earlier criminal career, but notably does not include Moscow, who was recruited separately by the Professor for the Royal Mint heist.
- Leader
- Berlin (Andrés de Fonollosa)
- Key Member
- Unnamed accomplices
- Affiliation
- Independent Operatives / Pre-Mint Network
- Status
- Unknown; not related to Moscow's death
- Era
- Prior to the Royal Mint Heist
- Base of Operations
- Various European Locations
Lore & Background
Berlin's original crew operated independently before the Professor recruited him for the Royal Mint heist. Moscow was never part of this crew; he was a separate recruit of the Professor and died during the Mint operation itself. Consequently, Berlin's emotional detachment in the Mint heist stems from his own personality and terminal illness, not from any prior loss of Moscow.
In Their Own Story
The rain slicked the cobblestones of Paris as Berlin checked the lock one last time. Moscow stood behind him, the weight of their shared history heavy in the silence between them. They didn't need words to know the plan was perfect; they only needed to trust each other. But in this life, perfection is a myth, and tonight would be the moment that turned their legend into a ghost story.
Reader's Guide
Berlin served as the undisputed leader of this informal group, wielding authority through intellect rather than brute force. The crew's primary goal was financial gain through high-risk heists, often targeting art or secure vaults in major European cities. Unlike the Mint team, which operated under strict rules from The Professor, Berlin's original crew relied on improvisation and personal chemistry. Internal conflict was minimal until the final operation where Moscow died, suggesting a tight-knit dynamic that crumbled under pressure. Key members included only Berlin and Moscow as confirmed canon figures; others remain unnamed in flashbacks. This group evolved into a cautionary tale for Berlin, shaping his leadership style during later heists. Ultimately, the crew's dissolution forced Berlin to seek structure elsewhere, leading him to The Professor. Their legacy lives on through Berlin's methods, which blend Moscow's daring with cold calculation.
Did You Know?
- The series was initially intended as a two-part limited series.
- The Italian anti-fascist song 'Bella ciao' became a summer hit across Europe in 2018 due to the series.
- By 2018, the series was the most-watched non-English-language series on Netflix.
- A South Korean remake, Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area, was released in two parts on 24 June and 9 December 2022.
- A direct spin-off, Berlin, was released on 29 December 2023, with Pedro Alonso, Itziar Ituño, and Najwa Nimri reprising their roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who constitutes Berlin's Original Crew?
This term describes the informal network of thieves led by Andrés de Fonollosa before he joined the Professor's Royal Mint plan. They were not a formal organization but rather a collection of accomplices from his earlier criminal career.
Who was the key partner in this group?
Moscow is identified as Berlin's long-time partner and most significant associate within this pre-Mint circle. Their partnership operated across various European locations before the events of the main series.
When did this crew operate?
The group was active during the era prior to the Royal Mint Heist, specifically covering their earlier heists together. This timeline places them firmly in Berlin's backstory before his recruitment by the Professor.
What happened to the crew eventually?
This network effectively ended after Moscow died, marking the conclusion of Berlin's partnership with his old associates. Following this loss, Berlin focused entirely on the Professor's plans without that specific support system.
Why does this faction matter in the show's lore?
This backstory is central to understanding Berlin’s psychological profile and how he became a legendary thief. It highlights his experience level before he ever met the main cast of characters.
More in Factions & Alliances
Elsewhere in the Money Heist universe
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