“Dutch nationals arrested for explosive ATM robbery and attempted murder in Frankfurt am Main”

FRANKFURT AM MAIN – In an investigation by the intervention reserve of the Frankfurt am Main Public Prosecutor’s Office, the West Hesse police headquarters and the Hessian State Criminal Police Office (BAO effectus), forces from the Hochtaunus Police Headquarters arrested two suspects on 05/06/2023 on suspicion of attempted murder, causing an explosive device explosion and the arrested for aggravated gang theft.

The arrested suspects are two Dutch nationals aged 25 and 27. They are suspected of having blown up an ATM of a bank in downtown Bad Hamburg on May 6th, 2023 and having stolen a sum of over 150,000 euros from the ATM. Solid explosives were used. The force of the explosion caused significant damage to the building. In addition to the responsible public prosecutor and officials from the responsible homicide commission, experts from the fire brigade and experts in explosive technology and evidence securing from the Hessian State Criminal Police Office were also involved in the crime scene work. The extent of the damage is the subject of ongoing investigations. Due to the considerable effects of the explosion, which the perpetrators could not control, in the middle of Bad Homburg, there was also the initial suspicion of attempted murder.

As part of the police manhunt concept, a police patrol has taken up the pursuit of the highly motorized perpetrator vehicle. The suspect’s vehicle broke through a police barrier at the entrance to the 661 federal motorway, but was stopped by so-called stop sticks. The 25-year-old suspect was arrested after a short foot chase in the vicinity and the stolen amount of money was secured in the vehicle. The 27-year-old suspect was arrested as part of the subsequent search measures. Riot police forces and a police helicopter were also involved in the operation. Another suspect is still being sought.

At the request of the General Public Prosecutor’s Office in Frankfurt am Main, search measures were carried out in the Netherlands on May 6, 2023. The actions carried out by the Dutch police took place in Utrecht and in Amsterdam. For reasons of investigative tactics, no information can currently be given about the results of the search measures.

The arrested suspects will be brought before the magistrate at the district court in Frankfurt am Main today, who will have to decide on the order for pre-trial detention.

The public prosecutor’s office in Frankfurt am Main, the police headquarters in West Hesse and the Hessian State Criminal Police Office thank the Dutch authorities for the excellent cooperation.

Frankfurt am Main Public Prosecutor’s Office, West Hesse Police Headquarters and the Hessian State Criminal Police Office