Five people in the Netherlands have been arrested in connection with explosive attacks in Germany that netted thieves a total of €600,000.
The suspects, aged 22 and 33, are believed to be part of a gang that blew up nine cashpoints between December 2021 and November 2024, netting up to €129,000 a time.
Three other people aged between 26 and 32 were arrested on suspicion of acting as accomplices. Two allegedly supplied the explosives used in the raids, while the third arranged a getaway vehicle.
The attacks in the German state of Hessen, which includes Frankfurt am Main, caused a total of €1.7 million in damage. German authorities have filed a request to transfer the suspects, who are currently in Dutch custody.
Police raided a house in Stavenisse on Tuesday in connection with the investigation where they arrested a Belgian man and seized explosives and firearms. Other properties were searched in Utrecht, Veenendaal, Maarssen, Vleuten and Reeuwijk.
Cross-border raids have increased after Dutch ATM providers stepped up security from 2015. German cashpoints also tend to contain more cash because fewer shops and retailers accept payment by card.
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