FBI Asks For Public’s Help in Identifying the “Red Coat Bandit,” Who Threatened to Blow up a Manhattan Bank

On January 4, 2010, as bank managers and tellers were preparing to close and as many New Yorkers were commuting home, a brazen “Red Coat Bandit” entered a Manhattan Citibank branch located at

411 5th Avenue. At approximately 6:15 p.m., he displayed a hoax bomb equipped with wires and a detonator, threatened to blow up the device, and robbed the bank.

The “Red Coat Bandit” was described as an Indian male, approximately 30 years old, and 5’10’’ tall. He was seen wearing a boonie hat, black scarf or ski mask, a red hooded jacket, black gloves, light blue jeans, and beige or tan work boots. He was also carrying a black backpack or messenger bag and may have been seen at a check cashing location nearby earlier in the day.

“It takes blatant disregard for the law and the safety of the public to pull a stunt like this. These hoax bombs are particularly dangerous. We need the public to take a close look at this photo and pick up the phone if they know something or have a tip,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Belle Chen.

"The public can play an important role in capturing fugitives by alerting law enforcement if they have information. We use the Internet, wanted posters, and even electronic billboards to publicize fugitives. The media often publishes the pictures as a public service. We encourage everyone to sign up for our e-mail alerts so they can receive the latest information from the FBI's New York Office on breaking news, arrests, and fugitives," said Special Agent Richard Kolko.

Information can be submitted anonymously and anyone with information is encouraged to call the FBI at 212-384-1000. There is a cash reward for anyone with information that leads to an arrest in this case.

The robbery is being investigated by the Joint Bank Robbery Task Force, which is composed of FBI agents and NYPD detectives. Operating since 1979, it is the longest continually operating task force in the history of the FBI and investigates major violent crime.