Overview
- Police executed a court-approved search to secure data carriers and customer records, saying the move sought an objective overview and was not directed at the bank as a suspect.
- Investigators are examining whether insider knowledge or access credentials enabled entry from an archive area to the vault; reports point to possible chip or code use and questions about alarm activation.
- The branch remains closed and the plundered vault is sealed, with police confirming nearly all of about 3,250 safe-deposit boxes were opened after a hole was drilled over several days.
- Losses are still being tallied, with official guidance in the mid double-digit millions and some security sources suggesting totals could top €100 million; more than 1,500 customers have contacted the bank and over 100 had higher-value add-on insurance.
- Legal and political pressure is building as lawyers organize coordinated claims over alleged inadequate disclosure of a €10,300 standard coverage cap, and the NRW Landtag plans a special interior committee session next week on security gaps and possible organized-crime links.