Rising ATM Attacks with Explosives Prompt Calls for Stricter Legislation

In recent months, Switzerland has witnessed a significant surge in ATM attacks involving explosives, prompting urgent discussions surrounding the need for tighter regulations. The Federal Prosecutor's Office is currently inundated with cases related to these violent incidents, marking an unprecedented rise in such activities.

Last week, the quiet village of Arni in Aargau was rocked by a nighttime explosion when a group of two to three individuals detonated an ATM belonging to Raiffeisen Bank. The blast shattered windows nearby, leaving residents startled and concerned. Just days earlier, a similar incident occurred in Mörschwil, St. Gallen, where a loud explosion devastated a local bank, leading to substantial property damage and a failed manhunt for the perpetrators.

These incidents highlight a troubling trend: in 2024 alone, the number of ATM attacks in Switzerland rose by 50% compared to the previous year, totaling 48 incidents. Notably, attacks utilizing explosives reached an all-time high, with 28 cases reported. This alarming increase has prompted the Federal Office of Police (Fedpol) to recommend that financial institutions avoid placing ATMs in residential buildings due to the heightened risk to public safety.

As financial institutions enhance their security measures, criminals are adapting their tactics. The once-popular 'lasso' method, which involved physically pulling ATMs from their anchors, has seen a decline since 2018. Instead, perpetrators are increasingly employing gas to trigger explosions within the machines. While some ATMs have been equipped to detect gas and prevent such attacks, the use of explosives poses a severe threat to public safety.

Recent incidents have demonstrated the potential for widespread harm. Following the explosion in Mörschwil, firefighters were called to the scene to extinguish a fire caused by the blast. Additionally, there have been cases where ATM explosions resulted in injuries to bystanders. In one incident near Hamburg, two bank employees suffered serious injuries while servicing an ATM that had been rigged with explosives.

The rise in explosive ATM attacks has led to increased involvement from the Federal Prosecutor's Office, as these cases fall under their jurisdiction when explosives are involved. Investigations are often complex and lengthy, as authorities frequently deal with organized crime syndicates operating across borders. Recent collaborations with international law enforcement have resulted in the arrest of multiple suspects connected to a series of ATM explosions in Switzerland.

Officials have noted a pattern linking several incidents and suspects, prompting the Federal Prosecutor's Office to take action against organized criminal groups under anti-terrorism laws. This approach reflects a growing recognition of the need for enhanced cooperation among law enforcement agencies both domestically and internationally.

In light of these developments, there have been calls for legislative changes to address the growing threat posed by ATM explosions. In Germany, for example, authorities have proposed harsher penalties for individuals involved in such crimes, suggesting sentences of up to 15 years for those who cause explosions for theft. Swiss lawmakers are also considering measures to criminalize preparatory actions involving explosives.

Although some experts believe that the decreasing reliance on cash may diminish the attractiveness of ATM attacks over time, the rise in incidents suggests that criminal organizations are likely to continue adapting their methods. As seen in the Netherlands, where the number of ATMs has dramatically decreased, criminal groups may simply shift their focus to other countries.