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Massive Bank Heist in Germany: Thieves Empty 34 Million Euro Safety Deposit Boxes

Published December 30, 2025, 20:04
Massive Bank Heist in Germany: Thieves Empty 34 Million Euro Safety Deposit Boxes

A large-scale burglary took place at a bank in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, with thieves managing to empty hundreds of safety deposit boxes, netting an estimated 30 million euros. The burglary came to light when a smoke detector was activated, leading firefighters to the building. The perpetrators gained access to the bank through a nearby parking lot, drilling a hole in the wall with a specialized drill to reach the vault. Police estimate the burglary occurred between Christmas and last weekend. Video footage from the parking lot shows a black Audi RS 6 leaving early Monday morning, with passengers wearing masks and the license plate being stolen. The professional nature of the burglary suggests the perpetrators had extensive knowledge of security systems and required specialized equipment and skills. The fire alarm was likely triggered by dust created during the drilling, despite the thieves' attempts to contain it with water. The exact value of the loot is still being assessed, as the bank is unaware of the contents of the approximately 3,200 safety deposit boxes that were breached. Each box is insured for at least 10,300 euros, with the potential insurance claim reaching 33.9 million euros. Customers of the bank have already begun to gather at the branch, demanding compensation for their losses. Police are continuing their investigation, seeking more information about the perpetrators and how they managed to carry out this daring heist.