Daring Bank Heist Sees Nearly One Million MAD Stolen in Safi

Investigators say the criminals, whose number remains unknown, exploited the weekend closure and the absence of staff.

Rabat – Residents of Jemaat Shaim, in the Safi province, woke up to shocking news on Monday.

According to convergin reports, over the weekend, thieves hit the local Barid Bank, stealing nearly one million MAD in a bold heist.

Investigators say the criminals, whose number remains unknown, exploited the weekend closure and the absence of staff.

They accessed the vault by breaching a wall that connected it to the branch manager’s residence, then seized cash intended to refill the branch’s ATM.

The theft only came to light when employees returned on Monday morning.

Royal Gendarmerie officers quickly arrived at the scene, launching a full investigation.

Authorities are now reviewing surveillance footage in hopes of identifying the culprits behind what locals describe as a heist straight out of a movie.

The case has stirred concern among residents and raised questions about security measures at local banks.

This is not the first daring robbery to target a financial institution in Morocco. In recent years, similar incidents have exposed security gaps and kept authorities and the public on edge.

Earlier this year, police in Tangier arrested a man who threatened a money transfer agency employee with arson, forcing her to hand over cash after he poured a flammable liquid in the office.

Such episodes continue to fuel calls for stronger security measures, enhanced surveillance, and additional staff at high-risk locations. They also reflect broader crime trends in the country.

According to the DGSN’s 2024 annual report, Moroccan police achieved a 95% crime-solving rate last year. While violent crimes such as theft, sexual assault, and car theft dropped by 12%, authorities reported a rise in cybercrime and drug-related offenses.