In a meticulously planned operation reminiscent of a Hollywood thriller, thieves infiltrated a Sparkasse savings bank in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, during the extended 2025 Christmas break, making off with an estimated $35 million in cash, gold, and jewelry. Authorities confirmed the robbers used industrial drills to breach the vault from an adjacent parking garage, systematically cracking over 3,000 safe deposit boxes undetected.
Police suspect the criminals exploited the holiday closure period from December 25–28, potentially remaining inside the premises for multiple days. The scale of the theft became apparent on December 30 when returning customers discovered their compromised security boxes, triggering protests outside the branch.
While no arrests have been made, forensic teams are analyzing surveillance footage and tunnel debris. The heist has raised questions about vault security protocols, particularly in financial hubs across Asia where similar deposit box services remain popular among investors and high-net-worth individuals.
Bank representatives have pledged full cooperation with investigators but face mounting criticism from affected clients. As global law enforcement agencies monitor the case, security experts warn financial institutions worldwide to review holiday closure procedures amid evolving theft tactics.
