GERMANY; In a meticulously planned operation reminiscent of a Hollywood blockbuster, thieves have pulled off one of Germany’s most audacious bank robberies, escaping with cash, gold, and valuables estimated to be worth over $35 million.
The heist targeted the underground vault of a Sparkasse Savings Bank in the city of Gelsenkirchen. According to police and bank officials cited by AFP, the perpetrators exploited the extended Christmas holiday closure, entering the bank’s parking garage and drilling through a wall to access the secure vault room.
In a statement, the bank revealed the staggering scale of the breach: “95 percent of the 3,250 deposit boxes of customers were broken into.” With all business centers closed from Thursday through Sunday, investigators believe the thieves spent the holiday weekend inside the bank, methodically emptying the safety deposit boxes.
The crime only came to light on Monday morning when a fire alarm was triggered. Responding officers discovered a large hole in the vault wall. Police have since launched a major search, collecting evidence and pursuing leads. Witnesses reported seeing several individuals carrying large bags in the parking garage over the weekend. Security footage captured a black Audi RS6, containing masked individuals, leaving the scene on Monday. The vehicle’s license plate was traced to a different car stolen from Hanover.
A police officer told AFP the operation was executed with chilling precision. “The incident was carried out in a very professional manner and is similar to the method shown in the famous film ‘Ocean’s Eleven’. It was very well planned.”
The fallout has been swift and chaotic. As news spread, a large crowd of “angry customers” gathered outside the closed bank branch, demanding information. Many victims claim the uninsured value of items in their lockers—reportedly averaging 10,000 euros each—far exceeds the covered amounts. The bank has established a customer hotline and is coordinating with its insurance company.
No arrests have been made, and the hunt for the sophisticated criminal crew continues.
