One of the most spectacular bank robbery series in German criminal history began with bank robberies in northern Baden and southern Palatinate in April 1995. For over 15 years, a gangster couple managed to rob 21 banks and savings banks unrecognized, stealing over two million euros. The first robbery took place on April 13, 1995. On that day, the savings bank in the Wolfartsweier district of Karlsruhe was robbed. Just six months later, on October 27, 1995, the next robbery took place at the savings bank in the Rheinsheim district of Philippsburg. This was followed by numerous robberies, which were committed as a trio until 2002. After that, the perpetrators acted only as a Bonnie and Clyde-style gangster couple. The perpetrators committed the first robberies unmasked, but from 1999 onwards they disguised themselves with woolen hats and later with wigs and sunglasses. Despite surveillance camera footage, numerous composite sketches, and a television appeal on the show “Aktenzeichen XY … ungelöst” (File Number XY … Unsolved), the police were completely in the dark as to who the perpetrators were. Due to their consistently polite manner, they were nicknamed the Gentlemen Robbers in the press. Even when they stole a vehicle for a robbery, they sent the keys back to the owner. They carried out their last coup on December 10, 2010. On December 8, the pair of robbers had already checked into a hotel in Pforzheim to plan their next bank robbery. Two days later, on a Friday at around 4 p.m., they robbed the Volksbank Karlsruhe at Karlstor. After the gangster couple had pocketed the money, they took the cell phones of the five bank employees and four bank customers and locked them in a separate room. They had no idea that a bank employee had already triggered a silent alarm. A police car with two officers arrived just as the gangster couple left the bank. They ran across the street and opened fire with 10 shots in the middle of the pre-Christmas hustle and bustle. A fierce exchange of fire ensued. The officers fired 19 shots at the gangsters until the man was fatally shot in the chest and collapsed. The woman, who had also been hit, then put her pistol in her mouth and shot herself in the head. This brought an end to the chapter of the gentleman robbers, who had shot a policewoman in the thigh. With their deaths, the identities of the gentleman robbers were finally revealed. They were 38-year-old Růžena B. and her 40-year-old husband Jaroslav B., who came from the Czech town of Dubenec. The legendary bank robberies continue to provide ample reading and film material to this day, immortalizing the dead couple.

By Isabella Mueller

Welcome to my journey through creativity and discovery! My name is Isabella Mueller, and I invite you to explore the fascinating creative universes I create through my blogs. Since 2020, I have been dedicating my passion to telling captivating stories that are mysterious, historical, and emotional. My goal is not only to entertain, but also to inspire reflection and awaken the spirit of discovery in each of us. At isabellas.blog, the suspense of crime stories is combined with exciting travel tips. Imagine wandering through the picturesque streets of a new city, uncovering dark secrets hidden in the shadows of its history. Every piece on my blog is designed to make the heart of every crime fiction fan beat faster while sparking curiosity about unknown places. Here, you are invited to experience the thrill of the unknown and the beauty of our world—a perfect combination for all adventure seekers! My second blog, akteq.com, is all about true, unsolved crime stories. Under the motto “akteQ: Cold Case Stories,” I reveal the eerie and often tragic stories behind unsolved cases. Together, we can explore the mysteries of the past and delve deep into the human psyche. What really happened? Who were the people behind these mysterious events? In this blog, I invite you to ask questions and find the answers that often remain hidden in the dark. You can find another exciting chapter in my blogging career at thecastles.org. Here, I embark on an enchanting journey through the history of castles and palaces. Pause for a moment as you discover the stories hidden within the walls of these ancient structures. “Explore the enchantment, discover the history – your journey begins at thecastles.org!” These words are more than just a slogan; they are an invitation to anyone who wants to combine history and magic. Be inspired by the impressive stories and the fascination of bygone eras! But that's not all! At kripo.org, you'll find a comprehensive online magazine for real criminal cases. Immerse yourself in the world of crime, learn about the real stories behind the headlines and the people who are involved in solving them. With criminal.energy, I take you on a journey through the gripping stories of true crimes in which villains are hunted, caught, and convicted. The search for justice and the confrontation with the unknown are at the center of it all. TrueCrime Blog 187.news takes you into the depths of crime. And for those who want to travel the world, wanderlust.plus offers the opportunity to explore the world, one adventure at a time. It's all about the love of exploration and the joy of discovering new cultures and landscapes. Finally, truecrime.ch invites you to discover the dark side of Switzerland and Europe: true crimes, true stories. Let's discover together the stories that shape the world around us. I look forward to accompanying you on this exciting journey and hope you will share many unforgettable moments with me!

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