In Extremadura, a daring heist hit the iconic truck that tours the region every year for the Christmas lottery. In the early hours of December 29, while most residents were still asleep, five masked individuals in black tracksuits pulled up to the parked truck in a luxury car. Their target was a heavy safe containing 60,000 euros in cash and two thousand lottery tickets. The entire operation took less than two minutes—the criminals acted swiftly and efficiently, leaving almost no trace.
The owner of the truck, David Pérez Nieto, said he learned about the incident from a security company employee who happened to be nearby and witnessed the crime. According to him, he arrived at the scene ten minutes after the call, but the criminals had already fled. The 300-kilogram safe was carried out of the truck right before the guard’s eyes, and he didn’t have time to intervene.
The gift truck is more than just a vehicle—it’s a symbol of the New Year lottery in the region. Anyone can buy a ticket for six euros and try their luck, as the total prize pool is nearly 300,000 euros. This year, the organizers never expected to become victims of such a brazen crime.
Investigation Progress
Civil Guard officers arrived on the scene immediately after the robbery and launched an investigation. Preliminary reports suggest the criminals planned the operation carefully: they chose a moment when no one was around and used a premium-class car for a quick getaway. Surveillance cameras captured only silhouettes in hoodies and gloves, making identification difficult.
Investigators are questioning possible witnesses and analyzing the routes taken by the suspicious vehicle. Special attention is being paid to how the perpetrators managed to open the truck and remove the heavy safe so quickly. Experts believe that such an operation requires not only physical strength, but also certain skills in handling security systems.
So far, there is no official information about the motives or identities of the robbers. However, it is known that the stolen tickets and money were intended for a traditional lottery drawing that gathers thousands of participants across Extremadura each year.
Organizers’ Response
David Pérez Nieto assured that, despite the incident, the drawing will take place as scheduled. He said that if one of the stolen tickets turns out to be a winner, organizers will hold a repeat drawing in the presence of a notary. This way, no participant will lose their chance to win.
He also emphasized that the stolen funds were ticket sales revenue, not the prizes themselves. All gifts and major winnings remain safe and will be awarded to the winners. The organizers have already tightened security measures and are revising the cash handling system for the future.
Local residents and regular lottery participants have voiced their support for the truck team. Many say such incidents should not dampen the holiday spirit and believe the perpetrators will be caught.
Impact on the lottery
Despite the shock and losses, the truck team does not intend to cancel the traditional draw. It has already been announced that all tickets kept in the safe will be declared void if not recovered. If one of the stolen tickets wins, the procedure will be fully transparent and take place under the supervision of a notary.
Organizers stress that their main goal is to maintain participant trust and ensure the lottery’s integrity. More information is expected in the coming days regarding the investigation and any possible changes to the draw.
For now, the people of Extremadura are discussing the details of the audacious robbery and hope that the tradition of the New Year’s draw will continue unaffected by such extraordinary events.
