The special police for criminal cases in Austria conducted a large-scale operation against a group of criminals suspected of major robberies through blowing up ATMs in the country. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
According to official information, 14 individuals connected to this criminal organization, which has been active since the beginning of this year, have been arrested. It was revealed that those arrested mainly came from Morocco, but some held Dutch citizenship.
Austrian officials stated that since the beginning of 2025, a total of 26 ATMs have been blown up in the country using explosives. These crimes have often occurred at night, during times when fewer people are around.
The police of Austria and the Netherlands carried out special search operations in a total of 12 locations across both countries. As a result of the raids, a large amount of evidence related to the crimes was found.
Specifically, 16 scooters, over 50 mobile communication devices, approximately 400-500 grams of explosive chemicals, various drugs, and 39,000 euros in cash were seized. The modus operandi of the criminals is similar: they usually arrive at night in a stolen vehicle or one with fake license plates, blow up the ATM, destroy the internal mechanism, and escape with the cash boxes.
Such crimes are increasing not only in Austria but also in Germany. According to statistical data, in Germany, 442 ATMs were blown up in 2022, and 367 in 2023 using this method.
In response to these incidents, the German Ministry of the Interior proposed measures to strengthen accountability for thefts carried out using explosives on ATMs in 2023. Currently, investigations are ongoing against a total of 33 individuals in Austria regarding this criminal case.
Law enforcement agencies are continuing their investigations, and it is said that additional suspects may also be arrested. Against this backdrop of threatening situations, the issue of implementing new technologies to ensure ATM security is also being discussed in several European countries.
Experts emphasize the need to strengthen interstate cooperation to prevent such crimes.
