The theft of 30 million euros in a complex bank vault heist
The German city of Gelsenkirchen witnessed a sophisticated bank robbery that resulted in the loss of around 30 million euros after thieves drilled a hole into a safe from a parking garage, according to the police. Investigators described the operation as highly organized and meticulously planned.
Authorities reported that the perpetrators used a large drill to access the vault and looted more than 3,000 safe deposit boxes containing cash, jewelry, and gold. According to initial estimates, the total losses amounted to around 30 million euros based on the insured values of the boxes.
The theft was discovered on Monday when the fire alarm triggered emergency services. Witnesses reported seeing several men carrying large bags in the stairwell of the parking lot during the night. Surveillance footage showed a black Audi RS 6 leaving the lot with masked passengers, using a stolen license plate from the city of Hanover.
Customers, many of whom are of Turkish descent, gathered in front of the Sparkasse branch seeking information about their stolen possessions, which included gold and jewelry. Some reported that their losses exceeded the insured amounts, highlighting the extent of the theft's impact on individuals.
The police are coordinating the investigation with the bank, asking customers to provide personal data and reports on damages directly to Sparkasse. The bank sends this information daily to the authorities while the investigation into the professional gang behind this bold theft continues.