Law Enforcement Agencies Collaborate: ZeOS NRW and Düsseldorf Police announce successful dismantling of alleged ATM bombing gang, in a joint European operation
In a significant breakthrough, a gang of suspected ATM exploders has been under investigation by the Düsseldorf Police, led by ZeOS NRW, since 2024. The investigation began with the explosion of an ATM in Solingen on March 5, 2024.
The investigations, particularly the evaluation of evidence found, are ongoing. However, recent developments have led to the arrest of several suspects across multiple countries.
Search warrants were executed for nine locations in Bochum and four more in 's-Hertogenbosch (Netherlands), resulting in the discovery and securing of extensive evidence. The arrested suspects include two Dutch nationals, a 19-year-old German national from Bochum, and a 25-year-old Dutch national.
The suspects are connected to the explosion of an ATM in Solingen and five other ATM explosions in Bottrop (June 3, 2024), Ennigerlohe (October 15, 2024), Medebach (October 31, 2024), Gänserndorf / Austria (February 5, 2025), and Neusiedl am See / Austria (February 8, 2025). DNA evidence found at the Solingen ATM explosion was linked to a person living in the Netherlands.
The suspects made off with a mid-six-figure sum and caused significant property damage at all crime scenes. Following the ATM explosions in Austria in February 2025, Austrian law enforcement agencies joined the covert investigation. On the morning of August 19, 2025, Austrian special units arrested the suspects after an ATM explosion in Hofkirchen (Linz district).
Europol is providing extensive support to the investigation due to its cross-border international nature. The three cities in Germany that were scenes of ATM bomb attacks investigated by the Düsseldorf police in cooperation with other German and European police authorities are Medebach-Oberschledorn, Hoppecke, and Olsberg. These locations had ATMs shut down for security reasons following these incidents.
Until a final conviction, the arrested suspects are presumed innocent. The investigation against this organised crime group continues, with authorities working tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice.
