Holiday Bandit Strikes Again, Robbing His Fifth New York Bank in a Brazen Midday Hold-Up

In blatant disregard for the public safety and the law, the Holiday Bandit, also known by his true name, Marat G. Mikhaylich, struck another New York bank today. Mikhaylich entered the Capital One bank located at 1411 Forest Avenue, Staten Island, New York at 10:05 this morning, showed the teller a gun, and demanded cash. This is Mikhaylich’s fifth bank robbery in New York.

Mikhaylich is described as a white male, approximately 6’5’’ tall, 35 years old, and approximately 200 pounds. During each robbery, he was observed wearing a black hat, dark sunglasses, a black winter jacket, and dark pants.

Other banks Mikhaylich robbed include:

Capital One Bank, located at 31-17 Broadway, Astoria Queens, New York on Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Sovereign Bank, located at

24-29 Jackson Avenue, Queens, New York

, on Wednesday, December 30, 2010

Ridgewood Savings Bank, located at

8522 Third Avenue, Brooklyn, New York

, on Wednesday, December 23, 2010

Sovereign Bank, located at 37-10 Broadway, Astoria Queens, New York, on Thursday, December 9, 2010

“Mikhaylich has repeatedly jeopardized the public safety in his brazen string of armed bank robberies. We need anyone who knows Mikhaylich or knows his whereabouts to speak up and call us immediately,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Belle Chen.

A significant reward is available for a tip that breaks the case. Anyone with information is asked to call the FBI-NYPD’s Joint Bank Robbery Task Force immediately at 212-384-1000. As always, callers may remain anonymous.

This news release was sponsored by Police Books.