Berlin Court Charges Two Alleged ATM Exploders

In a significant legal development, two suspected members of a criminal gang known for exploiting automated teller machines (ATMs) have been formally charged in Berlin. The suspects, aged 38 and 30, are accused of orchestrating a series of ATM explosions across multiple German states, including Berlin, Brandenburg, Saxony-Anhalt, and Hesse, between 2023 and 2024.

The Berlin public prosecutor's office revealed that the older suspect is linked to six separate explosive incidents, while the younger suspect has been implicated in four. These individuals allegedly utilized commercial-grade explosives, inserting them into the machines before detonating them to access the cash inside.

One of the most notable incidents occurred in September 2023 in Zerbst, Saxony-Anhalt, where the duo reportedly amassed EUR92,410. The subsequent damage caused by this explosion is estimated to be at least EUR150,000. In another incident in Strausberg, Brandenburg, the suspects were unsuccessful in their attempt as no money was seized.

In Berlin, the 38-year-old suspect is believed to have engaged in multiple explosive acts in various districts, including Marzahn, Marzahn-Hellersdorf, Prenzlauer Berg, and Alt-Hohenschönhausen, from which he allegedly extracted up to EUR125,345.

The second suspect is also thought to have participated in similar crimes in Berlin-Marienfelde, Eschborn (Hesse), and an explosion at the Springpfuhl S-Bahn station in July 2024. Both men were apprehended on January 24, 2025, and have been held in pretrial detention since their arrest.

This surge in ATM bombings highlights an alarming trend as organized criminal groups increasingly target these machines, often filled with large amounts of cash, raising concerns about public safety and security measures in the region.