Dutch police arrest suspects for series of ATM explosions in Germany

At the request of German authorities, five suspects have been arrested in the Netherlands for carrying out ATM explosions in Germany. The Dutch nationals, aged between 22 and 33, are suspected of at least nine ATM blasts. Arrest warrants have also been issued for two other suspects already detained in the Netherlands.

The gang allegedly stole nearly €600,000, with amounts ranging from €55,000 to €129,000 per attack. The explosions occurred between December 2021 and November 2024, causing total damages of €1.7 million.

Three additional individuals, aged 26 to 32, were arrested in the Netherlands for aiding the explosions. Two assisted in preparations, while the third modified a car for use as a getaway vehicle.

During police raids in Utrecht, Veenendaal, Maarssen, Vleuten, Reeuwijk, and Stavenisse, weapons, drugs, mobile phones, and possible explosives were seized. Investigators also found banknotes stained with dye, released during explosions to render stolen cash unusable.

The operation involved Dutch police units, Europol, and the Dutch Public Prosecution Service. The suspects will be extradited to Germany for prosecution, with one potentially facing attempted murder charges for a June 2023 attack in Frankfurt.

Since 2015, Germany has experienced waves of ATM explosions, often linked to Dutch gangs. The number of cross-border attacks increased after enhanced security measures were implemented around Dutch ATMs.