Germany: Thieves Steal €30 Million in Ocean’s Eleven–Style Bank Heist

Berlin: A major savings bank in Germany has been robbed of around €30 million after thieves broke into thousands of safe deposit boxes in a highly sophisticated operation reminiscent of the heist film Ocean’s Eleven.

According to an AFP report, the burglary targeted a branch of Sparkasse in the western German city of Gelsenkirchen. The crime went undetected for several days and was only discovered on Monday morning, when a fire alarm was triggered. Emergency services responding to the alarm found that the bank’s underground vault had been breached.

Police said the criminals drilled their way into the vault from a nearby parking garage, allowing them to access the secure area without raising suspicion. Investigators believe the gang remained inside the vault for much of the weekend, systematically forcing open more than 3,000 safe deposit boxes.

Witnesses reported seeing several men carrying large bags in the parking garage stairwell late at night between Saturday and Sunday. Security camera footage later showed a black Audi RS6 leaving the garage early on Monday morning with masked occupants. Police said the vehicle’s licence plate had been stolen earlier from another German city.

Authorities said each safe deposit box was insured for an average of €10,000, though several victims have told police that the actual value of their stolen items was significantly higher.

A police spokesperson described the robbery as “very professionally carried out”, noting that it required extensive planning, technical expertise, and close coordination. He directly compared the operation to Ocean’s Eleven due to its secrecy and precision.

The suspects remain at large. The bank has been temporarily closed for security reasons, particularly after threats were reportedly made against staff members, the report said.