New Delhi: Videos showing groups of men climbing in and out of New York City’s sewer system in the dead of night have sparked a police investigation and left residents bewildered, with authorities now exploring an unusual possibility: that the men were searching underground for lost valuables.
The incidents, captured on CCTV in multiple Brooklyn neighbourhoods over recent weeks, showed men lifting manhole covers, descending into the sewer network and resurfacing hours later carrying equipment such as flashlights, headlamps and shovels. While the footage prompted speculation ranging from burglary attempts to sabotage, investigators say there is currently no evidence of a threat.
Police cited by US media outlets say the individuals may be “treasure hunters” or scavengers searching for coins, jewellery, wallets, scrap metal and other items that may have found their way into the city’s vast underground drainage system.
The New York Police Department confirmed that reports were received last week about unidentified individuals removing manhole covers and entering the sewer system.
“The individuals then fled the location in an unknown vehicle to parts unknown,” the NYPD told the BBC. “There were no injuries reported. There are no arrests, and the investigation remains ongoing.”
🚨 ALARMING!! Surveillance footage captured two separate groups of men illegally entering and exiting New York City sewer manholes in Brooklyn overnight, carrying tools and gear — No arrests have been made@FBIDirectorKash @FBI @DHSgov #PublicSafety #NationalSecurity pic.twitter.com/NSSTAni2yt
— Brandon Tatum (@TheOfficerTatum) June 1, 2026
‘Scouring for valuables’
According to NBC News, investigators have been pursuing a leading theory that the group was “scouring the system for valuables that get into the sewage.”
A senior law enforcement official told NBC that specially trained NYPD Emergency Services Unit officers were sent underground to ensure no public safety threat existed.
“The NYPD, to make sure there was not a threat to the public, sent their highly trained Emergency Services Unit officers into the sewer system to make sure nothing nefarious had been left behind by the individuals — nothing was found,” the official said.
The city’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), which oversees the sewer network, also inspected the area and reportedly found no damage to infrastructure.
The videos emerged from at least two separate locations in Brooklyn, including Williamsburg and Gravesend.
Footage from Gravesend showed a man removing a manhole cover on McDonald Avenue before several others emerged from below carrying flashlights. Some appeared to be wearing waterproof waders and boots. After climbing out, they were seen changing clothes on the sidewalk before leaving in waiting vehicles.
Video of the people coming out of the manhole in the middle of the street on Bedford Ave & Lynch St. pic.twitter.com/bV0IEnFF8x
— WILLIAMSBURG NEWS (@WMSBG) May 31, 2026
In another video filmed in Williamsburg, a group entered the sewer system around 1 am and reappeared several hours later. Some were reportedly carrying shovels and wearing headlamps.
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Authorities have not yet determined whether the two groups are connected.
The unusual scenes have fuelled intense speculation among local residents, with many rejecting the treasure hunt theories.
Some residents speculated that the men could have been attempting to access businesses or banks through underground routes, though police have said there is no indication of such activity.
The DEP has warned that entering New York City’s sewer network is both illegal and highly dangerous. If identified, the individuals involved could face criminal charges, including burglary-related offences, according to police sources cited by US media.