Costa Rica's National Bank Grapples with $6.1 Million Cash Heist


Costa Rica is currently probing the theft of 3.3 billion colons ($6.1 million) in cash from its national bank, marking the largest bank robbery in the nation's history, as confirmed by anti-corruption authorities on Tuesday. 

The money went missing from the bank vaults three weeks ago, but the actual heist appears to have occurred in August or possibly even earlier, according to Jaime Murillo, who is serving as the interim manager of Costa Rica's Banco Nacional. 

In the midst of this investigation, two area supervisors, a technician, a guard, and an accountant, all employed in the section of the bank responsible for handling currency, are currently facing scrutiny. All five individuals were placed on suspension with pay once the theft was discovered on October 3. To date, no one has been taken into custody.

Murillo disclosed in a press conference that the bank initially conducted a private inquiry into the theft. However, the case was taken over by national prosecutors after certain details were leaked to the media and the bank lodged an official complaint.

As of now, authorities have refrained from divulging specifics regarding the methodology employed in executing the theft.

The state-owned Banco Nacional stands as the most prominent financial institution in Costa Rica.

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