Europol together with Dutch and German law enforcement authorities have taken decisive action against a Netherlands-based criminal group believed to be specialised in ATM robberies using explosives. 

18 members of the highly specialised criminal group were arrested over a series of action days. The Dutch nationals allegedly had extensive experience in blowing up cash machines with solid explosives, causing at least EUR 1.5 million in damages and looted at least EUR 1.2 million, of which around EUR 290 000 could be seized so far. In total, EUR 360 000 in cash and over EUR 600 000 in cryptocurrencies were seized, along with gear and vehicles used for robberies. Investigators could link ATM attacks or related activities in Germany, Switzerland and France to this group. This series of successful operations is the result of a comprehensive action plan developed in a dedicated Operational Taskforce formed by Germany, the Netherlands, France and Switzerland, coordinated by Europol.

The group composed of up to 20 Dutch nationals was based mostly in the greater Utrecht area, with some individuals based in Amsterdam. As a highly specialised criminal group, they are believed to have targeted cash machines across several Federal States in Germany. Investigations have shown an increasingly sophisticated approach by the criminals, who take measures such as counter-surveillance, collaborate with other groups and rely on infrastructure such as garages when performing the robberies. Dutch and German law enforcement, supported and coordinated by Europol, dealt a series of strikes against the suspected ATM robbers.

All actions except for the arrest in Spain took place across the Netherlands. Law enforcement authorities performed dozens of house searches, seizing over EUR 360 000 in cash, including bills stained by dye packs. Further, a crypto wallet allegedly used for money laundering worth over EUR 600 000 was seized, along with a large amount of gear used in ATM attacks. This includes explosives, jerrycans with gasoline, license plates, SIM cards, cash counting machines and vehicles, including four linked to several robberies.

Cold-blooded robberies and ruthless getaways

The perpetrators apprehended in this operation followed an established criminal modus operandi: first, they scout for suitable attack sites across several countries, both online and on-site. Easily accessible cash machines with comparatively modest security measures and convenient getaway options are preferred targets. After identifying and scoping out potential attack locations, the robbers return during the night and rig the cash machines with solid explosives. Activated from a short distance, the detonations typically not only destroy the ATMs but also devastate the surrounding area.

As these attacks are often performed in residential areas, they can cause serious harm to buildings and their residents. Upon grabbing the accessible cash, the criminals use high-powered vehicles for their hasty getaways. This criminal phenomenon stands out for its unscrupulous nature and the extreme risks taken by the perpetrators, both at the crime scene and during the escape.

Europol’s support to the affected countries

In recent years, this criminal phenomenon has spread and moved across several EU countries. With law enforcement and financial institutions teaming up to increase ATM safety features in heavily affected areas, the criminals shift their focus to easier targets, often travelling long distances to perform the attacks.

To tackle this, law enforcement agencies from across the EU are continuously expanding cross-border collaboration. An Operational Taskforce was set up at Europol, bringing together investigators from several affected Member States. Following a cohesive and effective strategy, they jointly developed an intelligence picture and planned a series of coordinated actions against the perpetrators.

For this series of hits against this internationally active criminal group, a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) was formed between Europol and law enforcement and judicial authorities from the Netherlands and Germany. Europol experts with mobile offices were deployed to several action days, performing cross-checks of the operational results against Europol’s databases.

The EU project ISF Lumen has provided financial support to the police authorities in the fight against this criminal phenomenon. Among other things, the funds were used to purchase special observation technology.