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International Police Operation Nabs Dutch ATM Bombing Gang
In a major international law enforcement operation, Austrian authorities have arrested four suspects involved in a series of sophisticated ATM bombings across Austria. Three of the detained individuals are Dutch nationals, while the fourth is German, marking another instance of cross-border organized crime involving Dutch criminal networks.
Coordinated Takedown Across Three Countries
The arrests followed an intensive investigation involving police forces from Austria, the Netherlands, and Germany, with coordination provided by Europol. The breakthrough came in the early hours of August 19th when an ATM in Hofkirchen im Traunkreis was blown up. The suspects were caught red-handed at approximately 3:00 AM and apprehended later that morning.
Dutch Suspects Identified
The Dutch suspects include a 32-year-old man from 's-Hertogenbosch, a 28-year-old Amsterdam resident, and a 25-year-old woman from Hoofddorp. According to Europol, these individuals represented the "highly sophisticated" core of the criminal group, while German accomplices provided logistical support including vehicle rentals for their operations.
Sophisticated Criminal Operations
Investigators discovered that the gang operated with military precision. Suspects would arrive in Austria weeks before planned attacks to conduct reconnaissance of targets and escape routes. The group used stolen high-performance vehicles, including an Audi RS6 that initially drew police attention in September 2024.
Evidence Seized Across Borders
During coordinated raids, authorities seized vehicles, explosives, mobile phones, fake weapons, ammunition, over €16,000 in cash, and GPS tracking devices. Additional evidence was recovered during house searches in the Netherlands and Germany, demonstrating the extensive reach of this criminal network.
Growing Trend of Cross-Border ATM Attacks
This case highlights an increasing pattern of Dutch criminal groups targeting ATMs across European borders. Since 2015, Germany has experienced multiple waves of ATM bombings frequently linked to Dutch gangs. In May 2025, Dutch police arrested several suspects for similar attacks in Germany, while in April, a 24-year-old Dutch ATM bomber was shot during an operation in Austria.
The successful international cooperation demonstrates improved coordination between European law enforcement agencies in combating this form of organized crime that transcends national boundaries and poses significant security challenges across the continent.
