German Bank Vault Heist: Millions Stolen During Christmas Holiday

Sophisticated Heist Targets Sparkasse Bank

A daring robbery occurred at a Sparkasse bank branch in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, where thieves tunneled into the vault by drilling through a concrete wall. The heist, which took place during the Christmas holiday period, resulted in the theft of between €10-90 million (approximately Rp 196 billion to Rp 1.76 trillion).

Extensive Security Breach

The thieves exploited the quiet Christmas period, between December 24 and 29, 2025, to carry out their plan. Police discovered the breach when the fire alarm sounded on the morning of December 29. The sophisticated nature of the heist has raised concerns about bank security measures during holiday periods.

Customer Impact and Reactions

The robbery affected approximately 2,700 customers who stored their valuables in the bank's vault. Many customers were outraged and gathered outside the bank on December 30, demanding information about their deposits. One customer, who had used the vault for 25 years, expressed distress, stating they couldn't sleep after learning about the incident.

Investigation Details

Witnesses reported seeing men carrying large bags near the bank's parking garage on December 27. A black Audi RS6 with a stolen license plate from Hanover was also spotted leaving the garage on December 29. Authorities are investigating these leads to identify the perpetrators.

Bank and Police Response

As of the latest reports, the bank has not commented on the incident. Police are actively investigating the robbery, following up on witness statements and reviewing available security footage. The incident has highlighted vulnerabilities in bank security systems and raised questions about the safety of storing valuables in bank vaults during holiday periods.