EXPLAINERNews|BanksGerman thieves steal up to $105m in ‘Ocean’s Eleven’ heist: What we knowWhile the robbers remain at large, customers are furious about the Christmas break robbery.
## Security Breach at German Bank: Key Details
Security Breach at German Bank: Key Details
During the Christmas holiday, a significant theft occurred at a retail bank in Gelsenkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. According to police reports on Tue, Dec 31, 2025, items worth up to $105 billion were stolen from safe-deposit boxes.
The incident took place at a Sparkasse bank branch. The perpetrators accessed the bank from an adjacent parking garage during the holiday period. Using a large drill, they penetrated a concrete wall to enter the underground vault room, subsequently opening approximately 3,000 safe deposit boxes to steal cash, gold, and jewelry.
The bank reported that over 95% of the 3,250 customer safe deposit boxes were compromised. The robbery came to light when a fire alarm was triggered on Monday; however, the exact timing of the event remains unconfirmed by authorities.
Investigators have estimated the value of the stolen items to range between 10 and 90 million euros ($11.8 million and $105.7 million). Each deposit box had an average insured value exceeding 10,000 euros ($11,700), though several owners claimed higher actual values.
During the Christmas holiday, a significant theft occurred at a retail bank in Gelsenkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.
The suspects remain unidentified and at large. Security footage captured a black Audi RS 6 leaving the bank's parking garage with masked individuals inside. The vehicle's license plate had been reported stolen previously in Hanover, approximately 200 km from the crime scene.
In response to the incident, affected customers gathered outside the bank, demanding explanations. The bank branch was closed for security reasons following threats against employees. The bank is communicating with affected customers and has established a hotline for assistance. Collaboration with insurers is ongoing to manage compensation claims.
In October, a heist at the Louvre Museum in Paris resulted in the theft of eight Napoleonic jewelry pieces valued at $102 million. French authorities have arrested eight suspects, with investigations ongoing.
September 2025: Museum of Natural History, France
In late September, a 24-year-old woman was arrested in Barcelona on suspicion of stealing gold nuggets worth 1.5 million euros from the National Museum of Natural History in Paris. The theft involved a disabled security system due to a cyberattack.
March 2024: Los Angeles Cash Site, United States
In March, thieves stole over $30 million in cash from a GardaWorld facility in Los Angeles during the Easter weekend. This incident remains unresolved with no public announcements of arrests.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.