Germany’s “Heist of the Century”: €30 Million Vanishes from Bank Safe Deposit Boxes
German authorities are investigating one of the largest bank heists in the country’s modern history after thieves stole an estimated €30 million ($35.2 million) from safe deposit boxes at a savings bank in the western city of Gelsenkirchen.
According to security sources and investigators, the criminals broke into the bank’s vault and looted the contents of approximately 3,200 safe deposit boxes, affecting more than 2,500 customers. The scale of the theft has raised serious concerns about bank security and vault protection across the country.
The crime was discovered early Monday morning after a fire alarm was triggered inside the bank. Emergency services initially responded to what appeared to be a fire incident, before authorities uncovered evidence of a large-scale burglary.
On Tuesday, around 200 anxious customers gathered outside the bank branch seeking information about their valuables. Tensions escalated as some attempted to force their way into the building, prompting police to close the branch entirely for security reasons.
In a statement published on its website, the bank confirmed that the branch would remain closed due to severe damage to the safe deposit box area. Customers are currently unable to access their boxes, and the reopening of the branch will depend on further security assessments.
The bank also stated that the contents of each safe deposit box are insured for up to €10,300, and affected customers will be notified by mail regarding the next steps.
Preliminary investigations suggest the suspects entered the building through an underground parking garage, passed through several secured doors, and accessed an archive room. From there, they drilled through a wall to reach the vault using specialized equipment. Police have secured the site and are continuing forensic examinations.
Witnesses reported seeing several men carrying large bags in a nearby parking garage between Saturday night and early Sunday morning. Surveillance footage later showed a black vehicle leaving the garage early Monday, carrying masked individuals.
Authorities confirmed that the vehicle’s license plate had previously been stolen in the city of Hanover. Investigators are also examining an earlier fire alarm that went off on Saturday, which at the time showed no visible damage, raising suspicions that it may have been part of the criminals’ planning.
The investigation remains ongoing as police work to identify the perpetrators and trace the stolen assets. The incident has sparked renewed debate over banking security standards and the protection of customers’ valuables in Germany.
