Arrest of bombing suspects: individuals responsible for remote-detonated explosions apprehended
Eighteen suspected members of a highly specialized criminal group, primarily Dutch nationals specialized in ATM robberies using explosives, have been arrested in coordinated law enforcement actions across several European countries, including the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, and France.
The group, believed to have extensive experience in blowing up cash machines with solid explosives, is associated with significant financial damages and thefts, amounting to at least €1.5 million in damages and approximately €1.2 million stolen. According to authorities, around €290,000 of the stolen cash has been seized so far.
The investigations linked the ATM attacks or related criminal activities not only within the Netherlands but also in Germany, Switzerland, and France to this criminal group. Equipment and assets seized during the arrests included €360,000 in cash, over €600,000 in cryptocurrencies, gear, and vehicles used specifically for the robberies.
The group targeted easily accessible ATMs with low security and quick escape routes, often fleeing in high-performance vehicles. Most of the targeted ATMs were located in residential or commercial buildings not far from motorway exits. Although no injuries were reported in all incidents, they could not be ruled out beforehand.
Investigations revealed that the group primarily focused on German federal states, possibly also on Switzerland and France, and they operated in a professionally organized and technically skilled manner, with tasks divided among group members.
In May, five suspected members were arrested in Germany, followed by eight suspects in April 2024, four more in November, and now another five, including two on Tuesday morning (27th May) - all in the Netherlands, with one arrest in Spain. This followed months of cross-border investigations led by Europol in collaboration with Dutch and German authorities.
The arrests mark a significant crackdown on the group's organized criminal activities across multiple European countries. The accused individuals face charges of causing explosions and serious banditry. With the exception of one Turkish suspect, they are all Dutch nationals from the regions of Utrecht and Amsterdam.
- The seized cryptocurrencies, amounting to over €600,000, are part of the general-news surrounding the financial aspect of this crime-and-justice case.
- The highly-specialized Dutch criminal group's activities have extended beyond the Netherlands, involving ATM robberies in industries such as banking and finance, as evidenced by their operations in Germany, Switzerland, and France.
