# Italian ATM bombings and fatal explosion near Andria > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/italy-atm-bombing-robberies > Updated: 2026-09-12T16:59:25.000Z. Sources: 72. Developments: 15. The improvised‑explosive ATM attacks that began in late May 2026 across Puglia have expanded beyond the original sites. The wave of violence, characterized by the use of the “marmotta” technique—inserting explosive devices into machines—was noted in early May in Giovinazzo and later in Orta Nova, where three ATMs were targeted. In June, coordinated attacks hit Cerignola, Lecce, and Scorrano, while a major robbery in Riccia, Molise, involved masked men and caused significant local panic. By early July, the activity spread through Basilicata and Calabria, with incidents in Oppido Lucano, Bernalda, and Varapodio. Following incidents in Bisceglie, Pescorocchiano, and Fondi, investigators reported a related episode on July 22 in Cassano delle Murge. Four men were arrested after fleeing in an Alfa Romeo Giulietta with over €35,000 in cash and materials used to manufacture “marmotta” devices. In mid-August, the violence intensified with attacks in Bari, Manfredonia, and Siracusa. By late August, a resurgence occurred in Calabria, and in Cerignola, officials warned that recurring attacks could lead banks to permanently deactivate ATMs. On September 1, an explosion targeted a Banca Agricola Popolare di Sicilia ATM in Francofonte, Sicily, which the FABI banking union described as part of a “criminal escalation.” On September 6, a violent explosion near Andria resulted in the deaths of a Romanian man and an Italian man, both approximately 40 years old. Investigators from the Trani Prosecutor's Office believe the men were handling explosives to manufacture “marmotte” devices. A stolen SUV was discovered near the site, and authorities are investigating whether the blast was an accidental error during the assembly of the devices. On September 8, a BAPS bank branch in Lentini, Sicily, was targeted in an explosive ATM attack. The explosion caused significant structural damage to the bank premises and affected nearby parked vehicles. ## Claims - Four individuals were arrested in connection with the ATM robbery. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The robbery occurred on the night of 22 July at a BdM Banca branch in Cassano delle Murge, Italy. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Police seized over €35,000 in cash from the stolen vehicle. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The vehicle used was a stolen maroon Alfa Romeo Giulietta. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Materials for homemade explosives, including scales and empty candlesticks, were found in the vehicle. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The suspects were charged with improper robbery, resistance to public officials, injuries, money laundering, and illegal possession of weapons and explosives. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The operation was carried out by the mobile squad of the Questura of Barletta‑Andria‑Trani and the Canosa di Puglia police. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The suspects were aged between 20 and 26 and had prior police records, coming from Canosa di Puglia and Trinitapoli. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-12: Sicily crime surge: ATM explosions and kidnapping reported in Siracusa Criminal activity is rising in Siracusa, Sicily, following an ATM explosion in Lentini and the kidnapping and robbery of a local entrepreneur. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sicily-crime-surge-atm-explosions-and-kidnapping-reported-in-siracusa ### 2026-09-08: BAPS bank branch in Lentini targeted in explosive ATM attack Criminals used explosives to attack a BAPS bank branch in Lentini, Sicily. While no money was stolen due to security measures, the blast caused significant structural damage. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/baps-bank-branch-in-lentini-targeted-in-explosive-atm-attack ### 2026-09-01: Francofonte ATM explosion triggers investigation and security concerns An explosion targeting an ATM in Francofonte, Sicily, has prompted investigations and calls for improved bank security following a series of similar criminal attacks in the region. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/francofonte-atm-explosion-triggers-investigation-and-security-concerns ### 2026-08-31: Cerignola officials demand state intervention after ATM attack Authorities in Cerignola are calling for increased state intervention following a recurring pattern of organized ATM robberies affecting the Foggia province and Puglia region. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cerignola-officials-demand-state-intervention-after-atm-attack ### 2026-08-31: Calabria experiences resurgence of explosive ATM attacks Criminals using explosives have resumed attacks on ATMs and postal service points in Calabria, Italy, following a series of similar incidents across the region since late 2025. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/calabria-experiences-resurgence-of-explosive-atm-attacks ### 2026-08-15: ATM bombings reported in Belvedere and Manfredonia Criminals using explosives have targeted several bank ATMs in Italy, including a major attack in Belvedere, Siracusa, causing significant damage and disrupting essential financial services. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italy-explosions-target-bank-atms-in-manfredonia-and-siracusa ### 2026-08-12: Italy crime reports: Barracks assault, ATM explosions, and fraud alerts Multiple criminal reports in Italy include a barracks assault in Castelnovo di Sotto, ATM explosions by the ‘marmotta’ gang in Bari, and fraud alerts targeting the elderly in Monregalese. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bari-marmotta-gang-uses-explosives-to-rob-banca-popolare-di-milano-atm ### 2026-07-29: Cassano delle Murge ATM robbery results in four arrests Four men were arrested after a July 22 robbery of a Cassano delle Murge ATM; police seized €35,000, explosives‑making material and charged them with robbery, weapons and explosives offences. 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/four-arrested-in-connection-with-july-22-atm-robbery-in-cassano-delle-murge-italy ### 2026-07-18: Fondi ATM blast damages bank, no injuries reported Four masked suspects set off a homemade bomb at a Banco Popolare ATM in Fondi, Italy, causing damage but no injuries; cash was recovered and Carabinieri investigations continue. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fondi-atm-blast-damages-bank-no-injuries-reported ### 2026-07-14: Italian police probe ATM bomb attacks using 'marmotta' technique Italian police investigate two ATM bombings that used the “marmotta” technique, one in Bisceglie with no injuries and another in Pescorocchiano that led to an arrest. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italian-police-probe-atm-bomb-attacks-using-marmotta-technique ### 2026-07-06: Credem ATM blast in Varapodio, Italy linked to recent Piana di Gioia Tauro robberies A Credem ATM in Varapodio, Italy, was blown up with a “marmotta” device, mirroring a recent Rizziconi attack; police and fire crews responded and are reviewing video footage, suspecting the same criminal group. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/credem-atm-blast-in-varapodio-italy-linked-to-recent-piana-di-gioia-tauro-robberies ### 2026-07-04: Southern Italy sees a wave of ATM bomb attacks thwarted by police Multiple ATM bomb attacks across southern Italy, including Basilicata and Calabria, were disrupted or investigated, with police chasing masked thieves and probing links between the incidents. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bank-atm-bombings-hit-italian-towns-of-bernalda-and-mezzano ### 2026-06-20: Riccia, Italy: Armed robbery of bank ATM sparks explosions and panic Four masked men raided a Riccia ATM with explosives, stealing around €35‑40 k and damaging nearby property; authorities are reviewing video and investigating the coordinated attack. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/civate-parish-and-oratory-burglarized-in-night-breakin ### 2026-06-06: Cerignola ATM bombings spark wave of attacks in Puglia Armed assailants used explosives to bomb a BPM ATM in Cerignola and similar machines in Salento, part of a rising wave of ATM attacks across Puglia that have damaged dozens of machines since early 2026. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cerignola-atm-bombings-spark-wave-of-attacks-in-puglia ### 2026-05-24: Puglia ATM bombings damage banks and trigger security emergency Explosive attacks on three ATMs in Orta Nova and another in Giovinazzo damaged banks, left thieves empty‑handed, and prompted the mayor to call for an emergency security meeting. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/puglia-atm-bombings-damage-banks-and-trigger-security-emergency --- Cite as: Italian ATM bombings and fatal explosion near Andria. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/italy-atm-bombing-robberies