Since the beginning of this year, fourteen suspects from the Netherlands have been arrested. Most of the detainees are Dutch citizens of Moroccan descent. The police have published photos of the alleged perpetrators, including two women.
The criminals used stolen cars or vehicles with fake license plates to drive to ATMs late at night, blow them up with explosives, and steal as many banknotes as possible.
During joint raids by Dutch and Austrian police at twelve locations in both countries, 16 scooters, more than 50 mobile phones, nearly half a kilo of explosives, various drugs, and €39,000 in cash were seized.
Although the group operated in Austria, similar attacks have occurred in Germany. Between 2022 and 2023, more than 800 ATM explosions were reported there. German authorities are calling for stricter penalties for the use of explosives in such crimes.