A dramatic bank robbery in Naples turned into a full-scale hostage crisis, leaving dozens in shock and investigators chasing a highly organized gang. The incident took place in broad daylight in Piazza Medaglie d’Oro, in the Arenella district, where armed robbers stormed a Crédit Agricole branch and took 25 people hostage, including customers and staff.
The alarm was raised by a passerby who noticed suspicious activity inside the bank. Within minutes, police and firefighters surrounded the area, as a tense standoff unfolded. According to initial reports, at least five attackers smashed their way into the building using a car as a battering ram. Once inside, they took control wearing masks depicting famous American actors, in a scene reminiscent of a heist movie.
Negotiations followed, and by mid-afternoon all hostages were released. Six people required medical attention due to shock. But when elite police units entered the building, the robbers were gone. After emptying the safety deposit boxes, they had escaped.
Investigators believe the gang used a tunnel connected to the sewer system, possibly prepared in advance. The route may have allowed them to reach the nearby metro line and disappear without a trace. Authorities are now conducting an extensive manhunt, describing the operation as “highly sophisticated and meticulously planned.”