Nine Arrested In Netherlands Over Europe-Wide ATM Attacks

According to the OAG, recent investigations indicate that Dutch criminal groups are responsible for over half of all ATM bombings in Europe.

The arrests, carried out in April 2026, were part of a joint investigation involving Swiss, German and French authorities. The suspects are believed to have taken part in multiple attacks, including around ten in Switzerland between 2024 and 2025. Targeted locations included Alle and Porrentruy (canton Jura), Couvet (canton Neuchâtel) and Gland (canton Vaud), although most Swiss cantons have been affected by the phenomenon.

The operation was conducted by an international task force that brought together various police forces and judicial authorities, with coordination support from Europol and Eurojust.

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Seven suspects were arrested between April 14 and 22, following two earlier arrests in December 2025. Dutch authorities also carried out over 15 searches, seizing explosives, vehicles and cash.

Investigators suspect a well-organised group that has been active for several years across Europe, notably in Germany and Austria. The modus operandi – blowing up cash machines to access money – poses serious risks to public safety and causes significant property damage. In Switzerland, the surge in attacks in recent years has prompted increased mobilisation by law enforcement agencies.

ATM bombings have risen sharply in Switzerland since 2019, largely driven by organised criminal networks. However, strengthened cooperation between authorities and enhanced security measures have helped curb the trend.

This content was published on Jul 18, 2025 Bank ATMs in Switzerland are less prone to attacks by criminals, but their future remains uncertain given the less active use of cash by the population.