Case 171: The Gladbeck Hostage Crisis
The gunmen made it clear that this was an armed robbery and demanded a large sum of money. Having been trained to handle this exact situation, the two clerks provided them with 120,000 German marks. The hold-up was going perfectly for the robbers. They had their money and the early hour made it likely that they’d escape quickly and without detection.
Team:
Anonymous Host - narration
Erin Munro - research, writing
Milly Raso - research, creative direction
Mike Migas - production, music
Andrew D.B. Joslyn - music
*Special thanks to Stef for her assistance in the creation of this episode*
Comments (25)
All over some money. I would love to know what the initial amount they stole versus the cost of this debacle...
Wonderfully told. Thank you team )
My brain is broken after listening to this. Infuriating case! I had never heard of it before.
A very crazy story. Thanks for another great episode.
Honestly, what the heck did I just listen to?? It’s always sad to hear about the people that lose their lives on Casefile but to think a lot If it could have been avoided makes it extra sad and maddening
Avoided mostly by the perpetrators.
Pardon my French but what an absolute shitshow that was!!
Excellent work as always. I did not know this case. Pathetic work by the police. You would think they would have a set of SOPs. Okay you have the critical remote control. Your job is to remain in sight of the car at all times or pass it on to another policeman who will do the same. Or trade out the young hostages for police officers who at least signed up for dangerous duty. Sad.
My heart broke listening to this. So many terrible decisions, and such callous criminals.
Fantastic telling of this infuriating story. I had never known of this horrible crime, but I won't forget it.
Another fascinating episode. The police made so many terrible mistakes. Thank you for your insightful telling of this story Casefile
When you got to the handcuffs it felt unbearable. So many “what if’s” great job Casey and team. Very well told and like always you gave all the time, attention, and credit to the victims. You guys are the best.
I honestly thought this was an April fool’s joke. Seriously?! The police sitting next to them at the cafe ....?! Wow. What a story
I had to stop this several times and just ask myself, “What the hell?” This all was unbelievable.
There should be an angry version of the Benny hill song for police fuckups on this level.
Haha!
What an absolute cluster. Unreal.
Glad to see that other people were just as frustrated listening to this case!! Lots of "what the $#%@$!" during this episode.
Germany seems to have an inability to properly deal with hostage situations, the Israeli hostage crisis being another botched example.
What.an.absolute.mess!!!! Great episode
Hey guys! Great episode. Just one thing: Cologne is not the capital of North-Rhine Westphalia (It is actually Düsseldorf) (46:25)
I was just a baby back then, but the case is not forgotten here in Germany. Incredible incompetent work by the police and absolutely soulless actions by the media.
OMG what an absolute cluster!@&* of actions. So many unbelievable incidents. Great episode however.
Wow!!!! I was screaming at my phone during this one. Another fantastic episode. Thanks Casey and team!
When an episode makes you say: "what? How? Oh man" multiple times... this was a wild ride