Arrest after attempted ATM explosion in Aschbach-Markt

The force of the explosion caused considerable property damage to the building. However, the safe of the ATM withstood the detonation, so the perpetrators had to flee empty-handed. "Obwohl durch die Wucht der Detonation erheblicher Sachschaden am Gebäude entstand, hielt der Tresor des Bankomaten stand, sodass die Täter ohne Beute flüchten mussten", it was stated. Search measures initiated immediately after the crime initially produced no results.

Investigations and house search

The State Criminal Office of Lower Austria – Investigation Division Theft and Crime Scene Assistance Division – took over the further investigations. Through meticulous trace analysis, intensive inquiries, and cross-border cooperation, the 28-year-old Dutch national could ultimately be identified as a prime suspect. "Durch die akribische Spurenauswertung, intensive Erhebungen sowie grenzüberschreitende Zusammenarbeit konnte schließlich ein 28-jähriger niederländischer Staatsbürger als dringend Tatverdächtiger ausgeforscht werden", reported the APA.

On March 27, 2026, a house search was carried out at the man's residence in the Netherlands on the orders of the St. Pölten Public Prosecutor's Office and in close cooperation with the Dutch law enforcement authorities. During the search, investigators seized several mobile phones and other incriminating evidence. Subsequently, the suspect was arrested on the basis of a European Arrest Warrant issued by the St. Pölten Public Prosecutor's Office.

The suspect was extradited to Austria on June 25, 2026. "und am 25. Juni 2026 nach Österreich ausgeliefert", the APA report stated. During the interrogation, the 28-year-old was partially confessional. "Bei der durchgeführten Einvernahme zeigte sich der 28-Jährige teilweise geständig."

Arrest and extradition

On the orders of the St. Pölten Public Prosecutor's Office, the man was remanded to St. Pölten Prison. "Er wurde auf Anordnung der Staatsanwaltschaft St. Pölten in die Justizanstalt St. Pölten eingeliefert." According to current findings, it is assumed that two perpetrators were involved in the attempted heist. "Vermutet wurde damals, dass zwei Täter am Werk gewesen waren."

The perpetrators had fled on a motor scooter after the explosion. The investigations into the still unknown accomplices are being intensively continued by the State Criminal Office of Lower Austria. "Die Ermittlungen zu den noch unbekannten Mittätern werden vom Landeskriminalamt Niederösterreich intensiv fortgeführt." The Dutch police had initiated search measures immediately after the attempted ATM heist in the night of November 28 of the previous year, but these initially remained unsuccessful.

During the explosion, the building housing the bank branch was massively damaged. "Bei dem versuchten Coup wurde das Gebäude, in dem sich die Bank befindet, in der Nacht auf den 28. November des Vorjahres massiv beschädigt." According to the current state of knowledge, no persons were injured. The amount of the property damage was not disclosed by the Public Prosecutor's Office.

Ongoing investigations

The arrest marks a significant success of the cross-border investigative work between Austrian and Dutch authorities. The St. Pölten Public Prosecutor's Office is now continuing the proceedings in close coordination with the Dutch judicial authorities. "Ermittlungen zu noch unbekannten Mittätern laufen weiter."

According to police information, the arrested person is a 28-year-old Dutch national. "Polizeiangaben vom Mittwoch zufolge handelt es sich um einen 28-jährigen niederländischen Staatsbürger." No information was initially provided about his defense or possible further suspects. At the same time, the case throws a spotlight on cross-border crime in the region and the importance of international investigative cooperation.

The arrest took place approximately seven months after the crime. The suspect was ultimately arrested on the basis of a European Arrest Warrant issued by the St. Pölten Public Prosecutor's Office and extradited to Austria last Thursday. Further investigations into possible accomplices and backgrounds are ongoing.

In the meantime, the St. Pölten Public Prosecutor's Office has confirmed that the extradition of the suspect proceeded as planned. The State Criminal Office of Lower Austria – Investigation Division Theft and Crime Scene Assistance Division – continues to work on solving the case. At the same time, the authorities are asking for tips from the public that could lead to the identification of further accomplices.