Three Dutch nationals face trial in Wels for ATM explosions

Three Dutch men, aged 36 and 37, are appearing in court in Wels on October 20 to face charges related to a series of ATM explosions across Upper Austria, Lower Austria, and Vienna.

One defendant is accused of involvement in seven separate incidents. These include five ATM explosions occurring within a three-week period in Vienna and Brunn am Gebirge between June 12 and July 3, 2025. The charges also cover an explosion in Wels and a high-profile incident in Gmunden on May 16, 2025.

In the Gmunden case, prosecutors allege the suspects used a knife to threaten a high school graduate during a graduation ceremony to steal his car as a getaway vehicle after their own vehicle was damaged. The stolen car was later set on fire. Additionally, two of the defendants face charges for an April 25, 2025, explosion in Wels city center, which resulted in the theft of approximately 175,000 euros in cash.