Several Arrests After Series of ATM Explosions

The suspects are mostly Dutch with Maghreb backgrounds. A total of 33 people have been identified. "This clarifies the majority of the crimes," said Andreas Holzer, Director of the Federal Criminal Police Office.

"Numerous Seizures"

The most recent arrest took place just two days ago in Vienna. "In the process, the suspect jumped from the second floor of an apartment," said Holzer. Holzer also spoke of "numerous seizures," including the confiscation of over 50 mobile phones, 30 data carriers, 16 scooters, 400 to 500 grams of explosives, drugs, clothing with suspected links to the crime, as well as around 40,000 euros in cash during twelve raids (six of which took place in the Netherlands).

Since the beginning of the year, 26 burglaries involving the explosion of ATMs have been recorded. In twelve cases, it remained an attempt, but the property damage and the potential danger to bystanders are enormous, according to investigators. Overall, the affected banks have so far suffered damage in the low double-digit million range, and the amount of money stolen is also in the millions.

"Extremely Professional"

"The perpetrators act extremely professionally. There are clear hierarchical structures," said Holzer, referring to a division into bombers and logisticians.

In Vienna, investigations have been ongoing since October 2024 against 15 identified suspects due to 14 explosions. According to the public prosecutor's office, five suspects are already in pre-trial detention at the Josefstadt prison. Two suspects have been apprehended in the Netherlands based on European arrest warrants. "One of them will also be handed over this evening," said agency spokeswoman Nina Bussek. The Vienna Public Prosecutor's Office will apply for pre-trial detention against him after extradition, it was stated.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.