South Africa: Robbers Dig Tunnel for Six Months to Steal Millions from First National Bank — Busted After Social Media Post

By Joylinda Laryea / July 1st, 2025

In a heist straight out of a Hollywood movie, a group of robbers in South Africa pulled off a daring multi-million rand theft from the First National Bank (FNB) only to be undone by a social media blunder just days later.

According to police sources, the gang spent over six months meticulously digging an underground tunnel that led directly into the vault of an FNB branch. The operation, described as “a clean job” by authorities, showed no initial signs of forced entry, sparking intrigue and speculation across the country.

However, the criminals' luck ran out three days after the heist. One of the suspects, identified as the man in the third frame of surveillance footage, posted pictures of large stacks of cash on social media. The post, which quickly gained attention, tipped off authorities and led to a swift investigation.

Law enforcement tracked down the individuals involved, confirming their identities and arresting the entire squad behind the high-stakes operation. All stolen funds have been recovered, according to preliminary reports.

South African Police Service (SAPS) officials have described the case as both “bizarre” and “a lesson in modern crime,” highlighting how digital footprints often betray even the most carefully planned crimes.

Investigations are ongoing, with authorities probing how the group managed to operate undetected for months beneath one of the country’s most prominent financial institutions.

The story has since gone viral, sparking debate on both the audacity of the crime and the recklessness of flaunting stolen money online.