International Crime Syndicate Disrupted, Authorities Reveal
A coordinated effort by German and Dutch law enforcement agencies has led to the dismantling of an international criminal organization, responsible for numerous ATM explosions in Germany, according to the German Federal Criminal Police (BKA).
Since April last year, a total of 18 suspected members have been arrested, with five apprehended in a coordinated operation in May. The majority of the suspects are Dutch nationals from the Utrecht and Amsterdam regions.
The perpetrators allegedly used fixed explosive materials in a professional manner, causing millions of euros in damages. The loot, as of the latest investigations, amounts to approximately 1.2 million euros. The group’s preferred targets were easily accessible ATMs in residential areas, posing a risk to nearby residents. During the searches, investigators seized 290,000 euros in cash and a cryptocurrency wallet valued at over 600,000 euros.
An international team of authorities, including Europol, conducted the investigation, with early arrests taking place in April and November of last year. The majority of the operations occurred in the Netherlands, with one arrest in Spain. The group is also suspected of being active in Switzerland and France.