Southern Italy sees a wave of ATM bomb attacks thwarted by police

In early July, Carabinieri from the Acerenza‑Oppido Lucano unit intercepted a robbery attempt at the BCC ATM in Oppido Lucano, Basilicata. Masked suspects in a high‑performance car fled along state road 96, prompting a high‑speed chase that ended without the thieves being captured.

A separate incident in Bernalda involved an explosion at an ATM, after which the perpetrators escaped.

In Varapodio, Calabria, a night‑time assault on a Credem ATM was carried out using a homemade “marmotta” explosive device, causing a powerful blast that damaged the machine and part of the bank premises. Firefighters and local Carabinieri responded, and the investigation, led by the Palmi prosecutor’s office, is examining surveillance footage, the use of three‑spike nails on the road to aid the getaway, and possible links to a recent robbery in Rizziconi. Authorities continue to pursue the suspects across the region.