High-tech thieves steal €30 million from a bank in Germany
Thieves using highly advanced techniques broke into the vault of a Sparkasse bank branch in the city of Gelsenkirchen, western Germany, and stole cash and valuables worth around €30 million, according to police.
Investigators said the criminals used a long industrial drilling machine to penetrate the reinforced vault. Police compared the operation to the Hollywood film Ocean’s Eleven, describing it as the work of “highly professional and technically skilled individuals.”
More than 3,000 safe-deposit boxes were forced open, containing cash, gold, and jewelry.
Police discovered the theft after a fire alarm was triggered in the neighborhood early on Monday morning. Firefighters and officers searched the building and found a large hole leading into the underground vault.
Initial investigations indicate the suspects entered the bank through a nearby parking garage, allowing them to operate undetected during the Christmas holiday period. Witnesses reported seeing several men carrying large bags in the garage stairwell between Saturday night and Sunday.
Police also confirmed the existence of surveillance footage showing a black Audi RS6 leaving the parking garage on Monday morning.
So far, no arrests have been made, and the suspects remain at large as investigations continue.
Sparkasse bank stated that approximately 95% of customer safe-deposit boxes were accessed during the burglary. Items stored in each box are insured up to €10,300, and customers have been advised to check whether they hold additional insurance through their home policies.
The affected bank branch remains closed while the investigation is ongoing.
