The number of bank ATMs attacked with explosives has never been as high as this year in Switzerland. According to data from the Federal Police Office, criminals blew up 25 ATMs in mid-December.
These figures do not include the two attempted explosive attacks in May in Langnau and in November in Wynigen in the canton of Bern. Already last year, there were 22 ATM bomb attacks, but in half of the cases the attempts failed.
The total number of ATM attacks, all means combined, also increased compared to the previous year, going from 32 to 44. On the other hand, if we take into account the years 2019 to 2022, the number of attacks is down this year.
In 2022, there were 57 attacks, but gas or tools were used more often. In 2021 (total 49) and 2020 (total 44), there were more electrical manipulations and in 2019 (total 56), tools were favored.
>> Reread: Two ATMs attacked during the night in Montagny-près-Yverdon and Rossens (FR)
Great criminal energy
As soon as explosives are used, it is in principle the Federal Prosecutor’s Office (MPC) which has jurisdiction. Attacks on ATMs are an international phenomenon affecting all of Europe, the MPC told the Keystone-ATS news agency. The perpetrators often act beyond cantonal and national borders.
Crime scenes regularly present a picture of massive destruction. This shows great criminal energy on the part of the perpetrators. The potential damage caused by the violence of the explosions is very significant, both for the perpetrators and for those not involved.
The OAG is currently carrying out criminal proceedings in around a hundred cases, between which there are in some cases indications of links, which it is examining. The procedures are also costly because it is often necessary to request international legal assistance. On Friday, the authorities managed to arrest four suspected perpetrators of ATM attacks at a motorway rest area in the canton of Lucerne.
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