Bank heist busted in days: $1M Recovered, 11 Arrested

Police in eastern Algeria have dismantled a criminal network behind a major bank robbery in Guelma, recovering nearly the entire stolen estimated at over 13.7 billion centimes (around $1 million).

According to a statement released Friday by national police, the regional anti-organized crime unit in Constantine carried out a swift and precise operation earlier this week, leading to the arrest of 11 suspects involved in the heist.

The robbery targeted a local banking institution, where perpetrators impersonated cash transport security agents to gain access and steal approximately 14.2 billion centimes in local currency.

Authorities launched immediate investigations under judicial supervision, coordinating across multiple operational units in the eastern region. This led to the rapid identification and arrest of all individuals involved.

In addition to recovering most of the stolen funds, police seized fake security uniforms used in the deception, four vehicles including one used in the operation foreign currency, forged stamps, and gold jewelry.

The suspects were presented before the Guelma public prosecutor on Thursday, as the investigation continues.