What happened
In the city of Gelsenkirchen in western Germany (the state of North Rhine‑Westphalia), about €30 million in cash, gold and valuables were stolen from a Sparkasse bank branch's vault. The incident was reported by AFP; police discovered the ransacked vault on December 29 after a fire alarm went off at about 16:00 local time.
How it was done
The perpetrators accessed the vault through an adjacent parking facility by drilling a hole in a concrete wall. They opened more than 3,000 safe‑deposit boxes and removed cash, jewelry and other valuables. According to preliminary findings of the investigation, the operation was systematic: the attackers may have been inside for several days during the Christmas holidays while the bank was closed.
"The crime was professionally planned, and the attackers may have been inside for several days while the bank was closed for the Christmas holidays."
— Federal Police of Germany, according to AFP
Assessment and context
This robbery could become one of the largest in modern German history. For comparison: losses from the theft at the Louvre in October 2025 are estimated at €88 million, although those items were not insured. Analysts note that large thefts of valuables are not only criminal incidents but also tests of bank security standards, insurance mechanisms and urban infrastructure (parking facilities, underground utilities).
What this means for clients
The incident is a warning for anyone storing significant assets: review the insurance terms for safe‑deposit boxes, pay attention to the limits of the bank's liability and access procedures, and consider diversifying storage methods. For Ukrainians abroad, it is a reminder of the importance of documenting valuables and understanding local insurance rules — especially during holiday periods when establishments are closed longer than usual.
Conclusion
While the investigation continues, the key question for the banking community and regulators is whether this case will lead to a review of security standards and insurance practices in Europe. This is no longer just a story about a big theft: it is a test of the system that is supposed to protect other people's savings and trust in banks.
