Austria’s special criminal police carried out a large-scale operation against a group of individuals suspected of committing major robberies by blowing up ATMs throughout the country. According to official information, 14 people linked to this criminal scheme have been detained since the beginning of the current year.
It was revealed that most of those arrested are Dutch citizens of Moroccan origin. According to Austrian authorities, a total of 26 ATMs have been blown up in the country since the beginning of 2025. These crimes were usually committed at night when there were fewer people in public areas.
As part of the investigation, police from Austria and the Netherlands conducted searches at 12 different locations in both countries. During the raids, numerous pieces of evidence were seized: 16 scooters, over 50 mobile phones, approximately 400–500 grams of explosive materials, various drugs, and 39,000 euros in cash.
The criminals’ method of operation was largely similar: typically, they would arrive at ATMs at night in stolen or fake-plated vehicles, detonate the machines to destroy their internal mechanisms, and steal the money cassettes. Such incidents have become widespread not only in Austria but also in neighboring Germany.
According to statistics, 442 ATMs were blown up in Germany in 2022, and 367 in 2023. As a result, in 2023, Germany’s Ministry of the Interior announced plans to toughen penalties for using explosives during ATM robberies.
Currently, Austria is conducting investigations involving a total of 33 suspects. Authorities continue their investigative efforts and note that further arrests are possible.
In light of such threats, several European countries have raised the issue of introducing new technologies to secure ATMs. Experts emphasize the importance of strengthening international cooperation to prevent such crimes.
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