In five federal states

Professionals stole half a million from safe deposit boxes

A major success for Austrian investigators: three Lithuanian men who allegedly carried out 13 professional coups at banks in five federal states have been arrested. The total loss amounts to 545,000 euros and a search is underway for a possible fourth accomplice.

They had been up to mischief since the end of 2020 and were only discovered in November 2023. Three Lithuanian nationals and a possible accomplice are said to have carried out 13 robberies at banks in Lower Austria, Styria, Upper Austria, Salzburg and Vorarlberg. Amount of loss: a good half a million euros.

The success for the investigators came on November 12, 2023, when they stopped a 43-year-old suspect before he left for the Czech Republic. In his car, 64,500 euros in cash and jewelry were hidden in a cavity. His accomplices, a 45-year-old and a 52-year-old, were apprehended on the same day on their way to Vienna. They also had cash and tools with them in the car. A fourth accomplice is being sought.

Thieves acted "in a team and very professionally"
As it turned out, the evidence seized came from their last two burglaries at the beginning of November in Styria. The group is said to have stolen a total of 380,000 euros in cash from safe deposit boxes and caused 165,000 euros in property damage. Jewelry as well as gold and silver bars were also stolen.

According to the Lower Austria Provincial Police Directorate, the men acted in a "collaborative and very professional manner", which is why investigators from various European countries were called in. The group had scouted out the crime scenes for several months in some cases before they struck - rental vehicles from different providers were also used.

One unknown person still on the run
While three of the four Lithuanians are in custody in Salzburg prison, a European arrest warrant has been issued for their fugitive 45-year-old compatriot. According to the police, all of the suspects have relevant previous convictions abroad.