Who Is Valentino Luchin? California Chef Arrested for Three Bank Robberies in One Day

A shocking case has emerged in California after renowned chef Valentino Luchin, 62, was arrested for allegedly robbing three banks in a single day.

How the Robberies Happened

According to the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD), the first robbery took place around 12 p.m. near Grant Avenue in Chinatown. Luchin allegedly passed a handwritten note to the teller demanding money. Out of fear, the teller handed over a bag of cash, and the suspect fled.

Police later connected him to two more bank robberies in the Central District that same day. The style of the robberies and descriptions from witnesses helped investigators tie the crimes together.

The Arrest

After gathering tips from the community and surveillance observations, police identified Luchin as the suspect. Officers then launched a strategic operation and arrested him later that day without incident.

Luchin is now facing two counts of robbery and one count of attempted robbery. He remains in custody at the San Francisco County Jail awaiting further charges.

Chef Turned Criminal

Valentino Luchin is well known in San Francisco’s food scene. He was the executive chef at the Italian restaurant Rose Pistola and previously owned Ottavio in Walnut Creek, which shut down in 2016.

But his financial struggles took a toll. Bankruptcy records from 2015 showed he and his wife had over $111,000 in debt and only $27,000 in assets.

This is not his first brush with crime. In 2018, Luchin was arrested for allegedly robbing a Citibank in Orinda, California, where $18,000 was stolen. He admitted in a jailhouse interview that he used a BB gun, saying it was out of “desperation” after losing his restaurant.

“Desperation leads you to do things you never thought you were capable of,” Luchin once told reporters.

What Happens Next

Authorities have not disclosed how much money was stolen in the latest heists. However, police shared images of the seized evidence on social media. Luchin’s arrest has left many in shock, especially those who remember him as a celebrated chef.

The investigation is ongoing, and Luchin could face serious prison time if convicted.