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Bank robbers escape via sewer tunnel after hostage-taking in Naples

Bank robbers escape via sewer tunnel after hostage-taking in Naples

From Okaz · (6d ago) Arabic Critical tone

Translated from Arabic, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Armed robbers stormed a Crédit Agricole bank branch in Naples, Italy, taking around 25 hostages.
  • Hostages were released after about two hours of negotiation, and the perpetrators escaped through a secret tunnel, believed to be connected to the sewer system.
  • The robbery targeted safety deposit boxes, and the value of the stolen goods is yet to be determined.

In a daring daylight heist that has captivated Naples, a group of armed individuals executed a sophisticated bank robbery at a Crédit Agricole branch, taking approximately 25 people hostage. The incident, which unfolded around midday, saw police quickly surround the location. After a tense two-hour standoff, negotiations led to the safe release of all hostages. However, the perpetrators managed a remarkable escape through a clandestine tunnel, suspected to be part of the city's sewer network, vanishing without a trace. While the robbers did not resort to violence against the hostages, they focused their efforts on the safety deposit boxes rather than cash, leaving the total value of the stolen items undetermined. This audacious escape through underground passages has added a dramatic twist to the already high-stakes event, highlighting the ingenuity and audacity of the criminals involved. The swift response of security forces is commendable, yet the successful evasion of the perpetrators underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement in such complex scenarios.

Although they were armed, they did not use violence.

— One hostageDescribing the demeanor of the armed robbers during the hostage situation.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Okaz in Arabic. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.