German Ocean’s Eleven or Minus 100 Million Euros

One of the largest bank robberies in Germany’s history has occurred — the thieves took almost 100 million euros, acting in the best traditions of “Ocean’s Eleven,” reports Bild. According to experts, the scheme was meticulously planned, almost like a well-directed movie, giving the impression that we are witnessing a true criminal masterclass.

The events unfolded in the city of Gelsenkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, during the Christmas holiday period. It turned out that the criminals were not in a hurry and acted with remarkable patience. During the long holiday weekend, they broke into a building adjacent to the Sparkasse bank branch, which essentially became their “launchpad” for the large-scale operation.

Inside the building, they assembled a giant drill, carefully and methodically drilled a huge hole in the wall of the bank vault, and gained access to the safety deposit boxes. Even here it is clear that these were not amateurs seeking easy money, but true professionals: every step was calculated, leaving almost no traces.

After that, the criminals emptied 3,200 safe deposit boxes belonging to approximately 2,500 bank clients. According to preliminary data, the damage could reach 90 million euros. A bank representative clarified that each box is insured for about 10,300 euros, but the total losses and psychological impact of a robbery of this scale are much greater.

The only lead for the investigation remains a black Audi RS6, which the perpetrators used to escape. Police note that the car was likely used as a getaway vehicle and was prepared in advance: the license plate had previously been stolen in Hanover.

Eyewitnesses interviewed by the police reported that on the night from Saturday to Sunday, they saw several men with large bags in a multi-level parking garage. On Monday morning, during the robbery, one of the criminals activated an emergency barrier, and police were already on site after the fire alarm went off.

DPA reports that for the second day, hundreds of people have been gathering at the bank branch doors, many trying to access their safety deposit boxes, but the police have blocked entry to maintain order.

Handelsblatt calls this “one of the largest robberies in the history of German crime statistics.” Experts note that meticulously planned crimes of this scale are extremely rare: the level of organization and professionalism resembles the plot of a Hollywood heist movie.

Police continue the investigation, reviewing surveillance cameras, studying all possible escape routes, and tracking connections of the criminals. It is assumed that the group was thoroughly prepared, studied the bank’s security system, and used modern equipment to break the safes.

The event has already attracted nationwide attention and has become a topic of discussion in the media. Experts emphasize that such robberies demonstrate a high degree of planning, technological sophistication, and unprecedented audacity. Sparkasse Gelsenkirchen and law enforcement agencies promise to inform clients and take measures to strengthen security and safety.