A Dutch criminal group, suspected of carrying out ATM bombings in Germany and Switzerland has been dismantled following a coordinated investigation between several countries, supported by Eurojust and Europol. The suspects are allegedly responsible for approximately 10 attacks.
Authorities carried out coordinated action days on 14, 15 and 22 April. Fifteen locations were searched in where cash, cocaine and vehicles were seized, along with materials that can be used to carry out the explosive attacks. Nine suspects were arrested. Six suspects were brought to court on 24 April, where it was decided to extend their pre-trial detention. Earlier actions had already led to the arrest of two members of the criminal group in the Netherlands.
The arrests are the culmination of a joint investigation team (JIT) set up at Eurojust between Dutch, German and Swiss authorities. Since 2025, the JIT has worked together to uncover the criminal group behind more than 10 ATM bombings. The group is suspected of having used a mixture containing aluminium powder to generate an explosive force capable of breaking open ATMs. After Dutch banks took preventive measures against such activities several years ago, the group shifted its operations to Germany and Switzerland.
Through coordination by Eurojust, authorities worked together in real time to dismantle the criminal group. The JIT enabled the partners to exchange information and evidence and take joint action.
An Operational Taskforce was established at Europol, bringing together investigators from several affected Member States. This enabled Europol’s specialists in organised property crime to support colleagues in France, Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland in building a comprehensive intelligence picture and preparing the coordinated action.
The actions were carried out by the following authorities:
- France: Investigative Judge from Interregional Specialized Jurisdiction (JIRS) Nancy; Central Office against Itinerant delinquency (OCLDI)
- Germany: Düsseldorf Public Prosecutor's Office – Central Office and Point of Contact for the Prosecution of Organised Crime; Düsseldorf Police
- Netherlands: Public Prosecutor’s Office in Amsterdam, Amsterdam West District Police
- Switzerland: Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland (OAG); Federal Office of Police (fedpol)
Eurojust is an agency of the European Union