Trial in Wels: Four Defendants Face Court Over ATM Explosions

Background of the Attack Series

At the centre of the proceedings is an explosion in Gmunden in May 2025, during which a young man's car was allegedly stolen at a nearby school-leaving party ("Maturafeier"). The public prosecutor's office sees a direct connection to the group of perpetrators. According to the defence, the four defendants deny the existence of an organised gang structure.

The investigations led the suspects to Bavaria, where, according to media reports, traces were secured in Marktl. The public prosecutor's office in Wels is conducting the proceedings because of the crime scenes in Upper Austria. The trial is scheduled for several hearing days.

The defendants are Dutch nationals of North African origin. They have been in pre-trial detention since their arrests. If the court confirms the charges, they face several years in prison for aggravated robbery and aggravated property damage.

Investigations and Arrests

In addition to the immediate crime scenes in Wels and Gmunden, the indictment also accuses one of the four men of additional explosions in Vienna and in Brunn am Gebirge. This extends the proceedings across two federal states. The public prosecutor's office relies on DNA traces, video surveillance, and witness statements.

Defence lawyers announced that they would review the evidence and present their clients' statements. A confession was initially not made. The hearing at the Regional Court of Wels is being held in private, insofar as the defendants' personal data are being discussed.

Investigators classify the cases as part of a cross-regional series of ATM explosions that has been registered in several federal states and in neighbouring countries in recent years. Following the incidents, the security authorities had intensified cooperation with the Dutch law enforcement agencies.

Possible Consequences for the Defendants

The verdict is expected at the earliest after the conclusion of the taking of evidence. If convictions are handed down, the public prosecutor's office also intends to apply for asset forfeiture in order to confiscate the alleged proceeds from the offences.