ATM robberies using the groundhog technique: seven arrests

Seven people were arrested by the Carabinieri as part of the "DEVICE" investigation, coordinated by the Vasto Public Prosecutor's Office, which shed light on a series of ATM robberies committed between January and September 2025.

The precautionary custody orders, issued by the preliminary investigations judge of the Vasto Court at the request of the Public Prosecutor's Office, were executed in the early hours of today in several towns in the province of Foggia, particularly in the Cerignola area.

The recipients of the measures are seriously suspected, to varying degrees, of aggravated and continued theft in conspiracy, as well as of the manufacturing, carrying, and possession of weapons or explosives.

Irpinia also in the crosshairs

The investigation reconstructed twelve assaults on ATMs in the provinces of Chieti, Avellino, Campobasso, and Potenza.

In the province of Avellino, the alleged incidents allegedly involved ATMs in Bisaccia, Calitri, and Trevico. The other thefts occurred in Fossacesia, Gissi, Ortona, San Salvo, Tollo, San Giacomo degli Schiavoni, Trivento, and Lavello.

The overall profit from the thefts was estimated by investigators at around 220 thousand euros.

Objectives studied and trips organized

According to the prosecution's case presented during the preliminary investigation, the group allegedly operated in an organized and systematic manner.

The targets were identified in advance, while the trips were planned in detail. Stolen or rented vehicles were used for travel, while cell phones registered to people outside the group were used for communication.

Among the methods used in the attacks was the so-called "groundhog" technique, which involved using explosives to force ATMs open and access the money stored inside.

The investigation started from a coup in 2025

The investigation was launched following the attack, which occurred in July 2025, on the ATM of BPER Banca in Gissi.
The investigation was conducted by the Carabinieri of the Vasto Company, with the support of the Judicial Police Section of the Force at the Public Prosecutor's Office and the Support Office.

Also participating in today's operations were the Carabinieri of the Foggia Provincial Command, the "Cacciatori di Puglia" Helicopter Squadron, the bomb disposal squad of the Bari Provincial Command, and the canine units specialized in the search for explosives.

Searches for weapons and explosives

Concurrent with the arrests, several personal and property searches were carried out, aimed at finding weapons, explosives, and other items deemed useful for further investigations.
Any findings and results of the searches will be subjected to separate evaluation in the forms established by law.

At the moment, investigators emphasize, no links have emerged between the group and organized crime contexts.
However, the disputes remain at the preliminary stage and will have to be submitted to subsequent procedural checks.