Three suspects go on trial this Friday at 10:00 a.m. in Düsseldorf's regional court, accused of being part of an international gang responsible for over 20 burglaries and causing six explosions with explosives. The men, aged 34, 43, and 47, face charges of aggravated gang theft and causing destruction with explosives. They're said to have made off with over 450,000 euros.
The public prosecutor's office claims the accused are part of a gang that was active across Germany, Belgium, and Luxembourg, led by the eldest defendant. The gang allegedly bust open ATMs in Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine-Westphalia between May 2020 and March 2023. The cities hit include Sinzig, Monschau, Niederkrüchten, Neuss, Mönchengladbach, and Hamm.
The accused used stolen cars as getaway vehicles, leaving them in a forest parking lot in Troisdorf. They also reportedly used trucks to wrench safes from their mounts in supermarkets and gas stations, then break them open elsewhere. A house in Niederkassel served as their hideout. The gang leader was arrested there during a raid on March 2.
Investigators found high-powered explosives under the bed of a co-defendant in an Aachen apartment, believed to have been used in the ATM blasts. The defendants have refused to address these allegations so far. If convicted, they could face several years in prison. The trial continues until December 20, with seven more days scheduled.
The public prosecutor also accuses the gang of attempting to disrupt financial processes by blowing up ATMs and using explosives. Throughout the trial, evidence will be presented to demonstrate each suspect's role in these process disruptions.
In a broader context, these accusations would likely fall under various sections of the penal code, including theft, vandalism, and organized crime. The investigation would involve gathering surveillance footage, witness statements, and forensic analysis. If the crimes are part of an international gang, additional charges related to organized crime would be added. The trial would follow a general outline, with investigation, arrest, charges, evidence presentation, judgment, and possible penalties.
