Tue Dec 30 18:23:52 UTC 2025: ## “Ocean’s Eleven” Style Heist: Millions Stolen from German Bank Vault

Gelsenkirchen, Germany – A daring and meticulously planned robbery during the Christmas holidays has resulted in the theft of an estimated 30 million euros ($35 million) worth of cash, gold, and jewelry from a Sparkasse bank in Gelsenkirchen. Police believe the criminals used a large drill to breach the bank vault from an adjacent parking garage, gaining access to over 3,000 safe deposit boxes.

The audacious heist, discovered early Monday morning after a fire alarm was triggered, has left hundreds of bank customers in distress. According to authorities, more than 95% of the bank’s 3,250 safe deposit boxes were forcibly opened. Investigators suspect the gang may have spent the entire holiday weekend inside the bank, systematically emptying the boxes.

Witnesses reported seeing individuals carrying large bags in the parking garage stairwell during the night between Saturday and Sunday. Security footage captured a black Audi RS 6, with masked occupants, fleeing the scene early Monday. The vehicle’s license plate had been stolen earlier in Hanover.

“This was professionally executed,” a police spokesman told AFP, comparing the operation to the film “Ocean’s Eleven.” “A great deal of prior knowledge and/or a great deal of criminal energy must have been involved.”

While the perpetrators remain at large, tensions are high at the bank branch, which remained closed Tuesday due to security concerns and threats made against employees. Distraught customers gathered outside demanding information.

The bank has established a customer hotline and promised to contact affected individuals in writing. “We are shocked,” said bank press spokesman Frank Krallmann. “We are standing by our customers and hope that the perpetrators will be caught.”

Police investigations are ongoing, and the bank is working with its insurance company to process claims. Many customers are reporting losses far exceeding the insured value of their safe deposit boxes.

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