Slovenian police have arrested a 51-year-old Croatian citizen following a months-long series of attacks on ATMs in the Koper Police Directorate area. An improvised explosive device was found in his possession.
Slovenian police have ended a months-long manhunt for a perpetrator who instilled fear and caused significant material damage in the Koper Police Directorate area. A 51-year-old Croatian citizen has been arrested, suspected of five counts of grand larceny, as announced at a press conference on August 12, 2026.
The pivotal moment in the investigation occurred on the night of July 6, 2026. ATMs in the region had frequently been targeted, prompting officers to conduct intensified patrols during the night. During one such patrol, they caught the suspect in the act of attempting to rob an ATM in a mixed-use building in the town of Senožeče.
Upon noticing the police arriving, the man abandoned his plan and fled. After a brief chase, officers caught up with him and arrested him in a nearby meadow. During the arrest, a homemade bomb was discovered on him, containing military-grade explosives and a detonator, and was fully functional. He was subsequently taken into custody and remanded.
According to information released by the police, the 51-year-old acted alone. Each attack was premeditated, and he would arrive in Slovenia using rented vehicles to cover his tracks. He chose ATMs that were off the beaten path, often in small towns near the border, allowing for a quick getaway after the heist.
Of the five attacks he is charged with, only one was successful. In the town of Bertoki, he blew open an ATM with an explosion and made off with some cash. In the remaining four cases, including the one in Senožeče, he failed to access the money, but the explosions caused extensive damage to the ATMs, building facades, and windows.
Investigators discovered that the suspect, in addition to explosives, also employed a sophisticated method known as the "black box" technique. This method involves using a computer to directly interface with the ATM's internal components, bypassing security, and sending a command to dispense cash. Police noted that the use of two distinct attack methods indicates his preparedness and technical skill.
