Germany hunts Christmas thieves after Ocean’s Eleven-style bank heist

In Gelsenkirchen, Germany, Sparkasse Bank was burglarized on or before December 30, 2025, with thieves breaching the vault. The value of stolen property is estimated to be between 10 and 90 million euros. Police confirmed the incident, revealing a large hole in the bank's vault. Frustrated customers gathered outside the bank on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, seeking information and answers regarding the security breach and the status of their valuables. The motive for the burglary appears to be financial gain, given the high value of the stolen items.

Thieves in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, stole an estimated €30 million in cash and valuables from a Sparkasse bank branch during the Christmas holiday. The heist, discovered early Monday morning after a fire alarm was triggered, involved breaking into over 3,000 safe deposit boxes. Police believe the perpetrators gained access and escaped through an adjacent parking garage, with witnesses reporting seeing men carrying large bags and a black Audi RS 6 leaving the area. The thieves used a large drill to break into the bank's vault. Authorities are investigating, and the bank branch remains closed as customers are advised to contact Sparkasse to assess the damage and insurance coverage. No arrests have been made.