Croatian Man Attacks ATMs with Explosives in Slovenia
Slovenian police have arrested a 51-year-old Croatian citizen suspected of five attacks on ATMs in the Koper area, and an improvised explosive device was found in his possession.
Slovenian police have arrested a 51-year-old Croatian citizen suspected of five attacks on ATMs in the Koper area, and an improvised explosive device was found in his possession.
According to information from Dnevno.hr, Slovenian police arrested a 51-year-old Croatian citizen, who is charged with five major burglaries and attempted burglaries linked to ATM attacks in the Koper Police Directorate area. The arrest occurred on the night of July 6, 2026, when officers on patrol spotted him attempting to rob an ATM in a mixed-use building in Senožeče, near Koper.
Upon the arrival of police, the suspect abandoned his attempted robbery and tried to flee, but officers quickly caught up with him in a nearby meadow and arrested him. During a search, an improvised explosive device was found on him, made from military-grade explosives and a detonator, and ready for activation. After the arrest, the man was taken into custody and placed in detention.
Investigators in Slovenia believe he acted alone and had meticulously planned his attacks. He arrived in Slovenia with rented cars and chose ATMs in isolated locations, often in smaller settlements near the border, to make a quick getaway after carrying out an attack.
Of the five cases police are charging him with, he managed to steal money in only one. In Bertoki, he successfully blew open an ATM and stole part of the cash. In the remaining four cases, including the one in Senožeče, he failed to access the money, but the explosions caused material damage to the ATMs, facades, and windows of nearby buildings.
Investigators also determined that the suspect used the so-called "black box" method. This attack technique involves using computer equipment to physically access the ATM's internal system, bypass security software, and issue a direct command to dispense cash. Police are continuing their investigation to clarify all details of the attacks and any possible involvement of the suspect in other criminal offenses.
