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News|CrimeGermany hunts Christmas thieves after Ocean’s Eleven-style bank heistWhile a western German city slept through the Christmas holidays, thieves drilled into a bank vault and vanished with millions.

During the Christmas holidays, a significant security breach occurred at a Sparkasse bank branch in Gelsenkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. The perpetrators accessed an underground vault, using a large drill to penetrate a concrete wall, and…

CBy Christine NealDec 31, 20251 min read

During the Christmas holidays, a significant security breach occurred at a Sparkasse bank branch in Gelsenkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. The perpetrators accessed an underground vault, using a large drill to penetrate a concrete wall, and forced open more than 3,000 safe deposit boxes. The estimated value of the stolen items ranges from 10 to 90 million euros ($11.7m to $105.7m).

The incident took place while businesses were closed for the holiday period. The thieves reportedly accessed the bank from an adjacent parking garage. The breach was discovered when a fire alarm was triggered, revealing a hole leading into the vault. Witnesses reported seeing individuals carrying large bags through the parking garage stairwell, and security footage captured a black Audi RS 6, later identified as stolen, leaving the scene.

The bank confirmed that more than 95% of the 3,250 customer safe deposit boxes were compromised. The average insured value of each box was over 10,000 euros, although some customers reported contents of greater value. Due to security concerns, the branch remained closed, and a hotline was established for affected customers.

During the Christmas holidays, a significant security breach occurred at a Sparkasse bank branch in Gelsenkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.
Christine Neal · Thehackingpost

Police are conducting ongoing investigations, with the suspects still at large. The bank is collaborating with insurers to address compensation claims. Affected customers are being contacted with further information.

Frank Krallmann, the bank's press spokesperson, expressed the institution's commitment to supporting customers and emphasized the hope for the apprehension of the perpetrators. The police continue to monitor the situation at the site.

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Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.

AI transparency. This article was produced with the assistance of artificial intelligence and published under human editorial oversight. AI systems can make mistakes. Read how we use AI (EU AI Act, Art. 50).
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