Modern Money Heist: Swim Gear-Wearing Thief Pulls Off $20K Robbery At Disney’s Restaurant

Investigators released a photo of the individual believed to be responsible (Orange County Sheriff’s Office)

In a bizarre and cinematic heist, a thief wearing a wetsuit and scuba gear managed to steal up to $20,000 from a waterfront restaurant at Walt Disney World in Florida, then disappeared into the water, according to a report by the New York Post.

The incident occurred shortly after midnight on Monday at Paddlefish, a steamboat-themed restaurant moored on a pond within the Disney Springs shopping complex in Lake Buena Vista. According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the thief swam up to the restaurant, gained entry, and made his way into the manager’s office during the nightly cash count.

Before executing the theft, the suspect reportedly stashed his wetsuit and scuba gear nearby. Once inside, he tied up two employees, ordered them to a corner of the room, and instructed them to close their eyes. Law enforcement sources confirmed that the restaurant was closed to the public at the time, and the employees were unharmed during the ordeal.

The thief was in and out of the building in less than two minutes, escaping with an estimated $10,000 to $20,000 in cash, according to charging documents. Authorities believe that after grabbing the money, the suspect redressed in his wetsuit and scuba gear and slipped back into the pond to make his escape.

Despite a swift response by the employees, who managed to free themselves and call the police, the suspect remains at large. No arrests have been made as of yet.

Investigators released a photo of the individual believed to be responsible. The image shows a man wearing goggles, rubber gloves, and tight-fitting clothing, apparently spray-painting a security camera. Restaurant employees described the suspect as approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall.

While the theft has baffled law enforcement and sparked headlines, business at Paddlefish continued as usual. The restaurant reopened at noon on Monday, welcoming guests despite the overnight crime.

The unusual nature of the heist, involving scuba equipment and an underwater getaway, has drawn comparisons to a Hollywood thriller. Authorities are continuing their investigation and have urged anyone with information to come forward.