Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Police Probe Insider Access After Gelsenkirchen Vault Heist, Raid Sparkasse Offices

Most customers face limited payout due to standard locker cover of about €10,300.

Overview

  • Detectives executed a court-approved search at the Buer branch to secure data and customer records, while the bank says it is cooperating as requested material is compiled.
  • A special team is analyzing nearby mobile login data as investigators pursue leads on possible insider help in the holiday break-in.
  • Thieves accessed an employee area via a neighboring parking facility, drilled through a steel‑concrete wall, and opened nearly all of roughly 3,250 safety deposit boxes.
  • An initial fire alarm on December 27 was not followed by a thorough check of all relevant areas, according to reports; a second alarm early December 29 uncovered the crime.
  • Loss estimates remain unsettled, with police citing a mid–double-digit million euro figure and media and lawyers reporting more than €100 million, including claims now reaching about €300 million.