Europol Strikes Against Cash Machine Robbers Lead to 18 Arrests

Europol, in collaboration with Dutch and German law enforcement, has successfully apprehended 18 members of a criminal group specializing in ATM robberies using explosives. The arrests were made over a series of action days, resulting in the seizure of approximately EUR 360,000 in cash and over EUR 600,000 in cryptocurrencies. The group, consisting of up to 20 Dutch nationals, is believed to have caused substantial damages and looted millions through their criminal activities.

The operations were part of a comprehensive action plan developed by a dedicated Operational Taskforce involving Germany, the Netherlands, France, and Switzerland, coordinated by Europol. The group, primarily based in the greater Utrecht area, was known for targeting cash machines across multiple Federal States in Germany. Investigators linked their activities to ATM attacks in Germany, Switzerland, and France.

Following a well-established modus operandi, the criminals scouted for vulnerable ATM locations, rigged the machines with explosives, and made hasty getaways with the stolen cash. Their actions resulted in significant damages to buildings and posed serious risks to residents in the targeted areas. Law enforcement authorities conducted dozens of house searches and seized various incriminating evidence, including explosives and vehicles linked to the robberies.