Bamberg Regional Court imposes prison sentences on group of ATM bombers
The accused spoke extensively about the charges and admitted, according to the Prosecution, to extensive degrees. In return, an upper and lower limit for the sentences were agreed upon. One of the accused had already partially confessed, it was stated. The proceedings against the 16th accused were separated, there was no verdict against him on Wednesday.
According to the indictment, the Dutch-operating gang allegedly blew up ATMs from November 2021 to the previous year in order to obtain the money stored in them. Over three million Euros were reportedly obtained in total. The damage caused by the explosions is said to have amounted to more than five and a half million Euros, almost double the value of the loot.
The trial began at the end of April. Initially, 74 trial dates had been scheduled. However, due to understanding, the proceedings could be significantly shortened: After a pause from early May, the trial resumed at the end of June and is now concluded.
A spokesperson for the Prosecution spoke of a "major success" and a significant blow against the scene of ATM bombers in the Netherlands. He praised the cooperation with the Bavarian and Baden-Württemberg criminal investigations and the European Justice Agency Eurojust and the Dutch investigative authorities.
- The accused linked to the case in Bamberg, Germany, was reportedly part of the same Dutch-operating gang, according to the Prosecutor's Office.
- During the trial, evidence was presented about the use of an ATM in Bamberg as one of the gang's targeted machines.
- The District Court in Germany imposed fines on the convicted cash machine saboteurs, with the exact amounts varying for each individual.
- In addition to the fines, the court ordered the removal of any band-like devices left at the scene of the sabotaged ATMs in Germany.
- Despite their conviction in Germany, some members of the gang are still being investigated and potentially face further charges in the Netherlands.
