Bundestag Increases Penalties for ATM Explosions
BERLIN – The German Bundestag on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, approved legislation increasing penalties for individuals involved in ATM explosions, a crime that has seen a rise in recent years and caused millions in damages. The amended law aims to deter such attacks by imposing stricter punishments on perpetrators.
The move comes as authorities grapple with a surge in sophisticated ATM raids across Germany, often carried out by organized criminal groups. While proponents argue the tougher penalties will act as a deterrent, opposition parties have voiced skepticism, suggesting the focus should be on preventing access to explosives and improving detection rates. The legislation passed with support from the CDU, CSU, SPD, and AfD.
Green Party MP Marcel emmerich criticized the law as “symbolic politics without any real security gain,” advocating instead for measures to restrict access to explosives. He argued that increasing the severity of punishment alone will not effectively address the problem.
Katrin Fey of the Left party echoed this sentiment, stating, “It is indeed not the level of punishment that prevents the crime, but rather the probability of being discovered.” Her comments highlight a focus on improving investigative capabilities and apprehension rates as a more effective crime prevention strategy.