Dozens taken hostage in Italian bank heist (VIDEO)

Armed robbers seized around 25 people inside a Naples bank branch; the hostages were freed in a police raid

Armed robbers took around 25 people hostage during a bank heist in the Italian city of Naples on Thursday, local media reported.

The incident unfolded shortly before noon at a Credit Agricole branch in the hilltop Vomero district, where attackers stormed the bank and seized customers and staff.

Police rapidly surrounded the bank, sealing off the area, and firefighters were deployed. Witnesses cited by media said the suspects barricaded themselves inside, triggering a tense standoff in one of the city’s busiest neighborhoods.

After about two hours, security forces launched a coordinated breach, with firefighters smashing a reinforced window to allow police to storm the building.

All hostages were freed in the operation. At least six people were treated for shock, but no serious injuries were reported.

Naples chief prosecutor Nicola Gratteri arrived at the scene as investigators began working to establish the sequence of events and identify those responsible.

Reports suggest at least two suspects were involved, though it remains unclear whether any arrests have been made or if the attackers managed to escape.

Reports suggest at least two suspects were involved, though it remains unclear whether any arrests have been made or if the attackers managed to escape.

Bank robberies involving hostage-taking are a recurring feature of crime in Naples. Italian media report that attackers typically strike during business hours, threatening staff and customers and holding them inside while waiting for time-locked safes to open. 

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In one such case in May 2024, an armed robber held employees and clients hostage for around 40 minutes before escaping with more than €12,000 ($14,000) according to local reports.