Three Dutchmen face trial over ATM blasts and alleged robbery

Three Dutch nationals appeared in court in Wels on Tuesday over ATM explosions in Upper Austria, Lower Austria and Vienna, ORF reported. The case includes an ATM blast at a shopping centre in Gmunden and an incident in Wels.

Proceedings focused in the morning on the Gmunden blast on May 16, 2025. After the getaway car was badly damaged, the defendants allegedly forced a student at a nearby graduation celebration to hand over his car keys. The stolen vehicle was later set on fire, prosecutors said, to destroy evidence.

Witnesses told the court they had been celebrating a graduation prank in a school car park when masked men appeared and allegedly sprayed salmiak spirit into some students’ faces. The men searched one student, found the car keys and drove away in his vehicle.

Prosecutors have also charged the defendants with aggravated robbery, a charge the defence disputes. The defendants apologised to the witnesses and said they had only wanted to use the car.

The prosecution said a verdict was expected on Tuesday.