Massive Bank Heist in Germany During 2025 Christmas Holidays

Sophisticated Heist Targets Sparkasse Bank Vault

A daring robbery occurred at a Sparkasse bank branch in Gelsenkirchen, Germany during the 2025 Christmas holidays, resulting in the theft of between €10-90 million. The thieves successfully breached the bank's vault by drilling through the thick concrete wall, exploiting the quiet period during the holiday season when many businesses were closed.

Extensive Impact on Customers

The heist affected approximately 2,700 customers who had safe deposit boxes at the bank. Many customers were left uninformed about the incident initially, leading to widespread frustration. On December 30, 2025, angry customers gathered outside the bank, demanding information about the situation. One long-time customer who had used his safe deposit box for 25 years expressed his distress at being left in the dark about the security breach.

Investigation and Aftermath

The theft was discovered when the fire alarm sounded on the morning of December 29, 2025, revealing the hole drilled through the concrete wall. Local police are currently investigating the sophisticated heist, which appears to have been carefully planned to coincide with the Christmas holidays when banks and many businesses were closed. The incident raises serious questions about bank security measures and the protection of customer assets during holiday periods.