German police are continuing an intensive manhunt after thieves carried out one of the largest bank heists in the country’s recent history, drilling into the underground vault of a Sparkasse savings bank in Gelsenkirchen and stealing cash, gold, and jewellery valued at an estimated €30 million.

The meticulously planned robbery took place over the Christmas holiday period in the Buer district of Gelsenkirchen, in the western state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Investigators believe the suspects exploited the prolonged holiday closure to access the vault undetected and systematically break into thousands of customer safe deposit boxes.

According to police and bank officials, more than 3,000 safe deposit boxes were smashed open during the operation. Sparkasse later confirmed that over 95 percent of the branch’s 3,250 deposit boxes had been forcibly breached.

Discovery of the Crime

The crime came to light early Monday morning when a fire alarm was triggered shortly before 4 a.m., prompting police and firefighters to search the building. Upon entering the basement vault, investigators discovered a large hole drilled through a wall, indicating the robbers had tunneled their way inside.

Authorities suspect the gang may have spent several days inside the vault area, possibly entering during the Christmas shutdown and remaining there through the weekend while businesses across Germany were closed.

Initial findings suggest the suspects accessed the bank through an adjacent parking garage, which they also used as an escape route. Witnesses reported seeing several men carrying large bags through the garage stairwell during the night between Saturday and Sunday.

Getaway and Ongoing Investigation

Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators shows the suspects fleeing in a high-performance black Audi RS 6 early Monday morning. The vehicle’s license plate belonged to a car reported stolen in Hanover, more than 200 kilometers away, indicating advance planning and logistical coordination.

Police said the suspects deliberately kept their faces covered while exiting the garage. The getaway vehicle has since been recovered burned out in a separate location, a common tactic used to destroy forensic evidence, according to investigators.

No arrests have been made so far. Police have expanded the investigation nationwide, reviewing CCTV footage from surrounding areas and coordinating with federal criminal authorities to track the suspects’ movements. A spokesperson said the scale and precision of the operation suggest “a high level of professional criminal expertise and detailed prior knowledge of the premises.”

Customers Demand Answers

The bank branch remained closed in the days following the heist as forensic teams continued their work. On Tuesday, nearly 200 customers gathered outside the secured entrance, demanding information about their belongings and chanting, “Let us in!”

Several affected customers told police that the value of items stored in their deposit boxes far exceeded the average insured amount of €10,000, raising concerns over significant personal losses that may not be fully compensated.

Sparkasse has stated that it is cooperating fully with authorities and has set up a dedicated hotline and claims process for affected customers.

One of Germany’s Largest Heists

German media, citing police estimates, reported that the theft could rank among the largest bank robberies in the country’s history. Investigators estimate total losses at around €30 million, based on insurance valuations and preliminary customer reports.

The case has drawn comparisons to high-profile, Hollywood-style heists, with police themselves likening the operation to the film Ocean’s Eleven due to its careful timing, stealth, and execution.

As the investigation continues, authorities have urged the public to come forward with any information that could help identify the suspects, warning that the stolen valuables may resurface on black markets or through international criminal networks.

The incident has renewed debate in Germany over the security of bank vaults and safe deposit boxes, particularly during extended holiday closures, as customers and regulators demand assurances that such a breach will not be repeated. (ILKHA)