Argentine authorities may have avoided the "Heist of the Century" after discovering a large tunnel extending approximately 220 meters towards a bank in San Isidro, a wealthy suburb north of Buenos Aires. The tunnel, dug 3 meters underground, was equipped with a dense wooden frame, ventilation, and electricity, ending just a few meters from "Banco Macro," according to the police.
The tunnel was uncovered by chance when a driver parked nearby heard a noise from their vehicle and realized it was caused by a metal rod protruding from between the paving stones. The local prosecutor's office ordered searches that led to the discovery of the tunnel and the identification of its starting point: an abandoned shed 200 meters away, where a large quantity of excavation and digging equipment was found.
The police did not announce any arrests in the case as of Thursday. Investigators estimate that constructing the tunnel took between 6 and 9 months, describing it as "an engineering feat," even "better than 'El Chapo' Guzman's tunnel," referring to the tunnel used by the famous Mexican drug lord to escape from prison in 2015.
This incident recalls a robbery that took place in San Isidro back in 2006, which was dubbed the "Heist of the Century," when a group of thieves stole nearly $19 million from a bank and escaped through a tunnel they had dug over a year to facilitate their getaway after simulating a prolonged hostage situation inside. During that robbery, which has been the subject of books, series, and films, the gang used fake weapons and left a note in the vault that read, "In a wealthy neighborhood, without weapons or malice, there is only money without love."
