Austria Arrests 14 in Nationwide Bankomat Explosion Spree
VIENNA — Austrian authorities have arrested 14 suspects in connection with a sweeping series of Bankomat (ATM) explosions across the country, following an extensive investigation into one of the most organized waves of theft in recent years.
At a Thursday press conference, the Federal Criminal Police Office (BK) and the Vienna Public Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that the arrested individuals are mostly Dutch nationals of North African descent. One Austrian woman allegedly assisted with logistics and escape vehicle arrangements.
Since the start of 2024, Austria has witnessed 26 attempted and successful ATM blasts, resulting in major property damage and posing serious risks to public safety. “The perpetrators are highly organized and dangerous,” said BK Director Andreas Holzer. Five criminal groups, operating independently yet sometimes in coordination, were identified.
The capital, Vienna, saw the most incidents, particularly in the districts of Donaustadt, Favoriten, and Simmering. Rural attacks were reported in Korneuburg, Gänserndorf, and as far as Salzburg and Styria.
The suspects used scooters for urban strikes and high-powered vehicles in the countryside. Investigators also revealed that escape cars were often torched post-crime to destroy evidence.
Twelve house raids were conducted—six in the Netherlands—yielding critical evidence: 16 scooters, 50+ phones, 30 data drives, explosives, cocaine, cannabis, and €39,000 in cash.
Five suspects are now in custody in Vienna’s Josefstadt prison. Two others were arrested under European warrants in the Netherlands, with one expected to be extradited immediately.
“The majority of the cases have been solved,” Holzer stated, while noting that investigations remain ongoing as authorities process forensic evidence and international cooperation continues.
