NAPLES, Italy — Armed robbers held 25 people hostage inside a Naples bank before vanishing through the city’s sewer system, according to Italian police. The assailants, described as masked and heavily armed, reportedly entered the bank early Tuesday morning, taking employees and customers captive for nearly three hours before escaping undetected.
Authorities confirmed the robbers disabled security cameras and communication systems before making their getaway. Investigators are now scouring the sewer network for evidence, though no arrests have been made. “This was a highly coordinated operation,” said a senior police official, speaking on condition of anonymity. “The suspects knew the layout of both the bank and the underground infrastructure.”
Naples’ extensive sewer system, dating back centuries, has historically been used by criminals to evade capture. Security analysts suggest the robbers may have had inside knowledge or assistance. “Tunnels like these are not easy to navigate without prior reconnaissance,” said Marco Ferrara, a crime researcher at the University of Naples. “This points to meticulous planning.”
The incident has reignited debates about urban security in Naples, where organized crime networks remain active. Police have increased patrols near financial institutions, while forensic teams continue to process the bank for fingerprints and DNA. If the suspects are linked to local syndicates, analysts warn the investigation could face significant obstacles.