The theft at a Sparkasse bank branch in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, is considered one of the largest crimes in history. The perpetrators obtained more than €100 million, German tabloid Bild reported on January 2. Earlier, the damage had been estimated at between €10 million and €90 million.
According to Bild, 90% of the bank’s 3,250 safe-deposit boxes were forced open. Each box was insured for €10,300, indicating the criminals made off with large sums. The organized group drilled through a concrete wall between the parking garage and the room housing the boxes, gaining access to the vault area.
On December 29, dissatisfied customers gathered in front of the bank building, as many said their losses were far higher than the amount covered by insurance. So far, the perpetrators have not been found and an investigation has begun. The report also notes thefts at several other banks in Germany, including in Halle and Bonn.
The thefts at Sparkasse branches in North Rhine–Westphalia have prompted many assessments due to how easily they were carried out and how the criminals achieved their aims.
These incidents have drawn significant attention, raising further questions about the investigation and unlawful actions.
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