Italian authorities arrest seven in ATM bombing investigation

Italian authorities have arrested seven individuals as part of ‘Operation Device,’ an investigation into a criminal group responsible for a series of systematic ATM bombings. The arrests, carried out by the Carabinieri in the Foggia province and the Cerignola area, follow warrants issued by the Court of Vasto.

Investigators allege the group carried out twelve ATM assaults between January and September 2025 across the provinces of Chieti, Avellino, Campobasso, and Potenza. The crimes included aggravated theft and the manufacture, possession, and detention of weapons or explosives. The total estimated profit from these attacks is approximately 220,000 euros.

The investigation was triggered by an assault on a BPER Banca ATM in Gissi in July 2025. Evidence suggests the group operated systematically by pre-identifying targets, planning travel, and using stolen or rented vehicles to execute the thefts.