Europol / ATMIA Security Conference

Press Release

Attacks on ATM machines

Over 100 specialists including bomb technicians, police investigators, banking security experts and representatives from security companies, participated in a conference, focused on the use of explosives and explosives’ mixtures to attack ATM machines. This 1^st EU Conference on ATM Physical Attacks took place at Europol’s headquarters in The Hague (NL).

Participants gained an overall view of the methods used by criminals in the EU and worldwide, and they shared their expertise on recent attacks and were made aware of ongoing initiatives to defeat this phenomenon. The focus was also on counter measures available in the market, in order to reduce the likelihood and impact of such attacks. 

The conference (7-8 April) was organised by the Organised Crime and Counter-Terrorism section of Europol, bringing together the expertise of organised crime investigators and counter-terrorist bomb technicians.

Europol aims to continue enhancing the cooperation in this field, sharing best practices among the EU Member States experts together with partners from the private sector and non-EU countries.

Patrice Rullier, Vice Chairman ATMIA Europe, who co-chaired this event, said

“The ATM Industry Association was delighted to take part in this conference with law enforcement officers from all European countries as the ATM industry is concerned about the increasing number of ATM Gas and explosive attacks in Europe.  ATMIA has produced a Best Practices document to prevent such attacks and is keen to work with law enforcement to help eradicate this threat.”

Notes for Editors

1. Europol is the European Union’s law enforcement agency whose main goal is to help achieve a safer Europe for the benefit of all EU citizens. It does this by assisting the European Union’s Member States in their fight against serious international crime and terrorism.

1. The ATMIA is an independent, non-profit trade association, the ATM Industry Association’s mission is to promote ATM convenience, growth and usage worldwide; to protect the ATM industry's assets, interests, good name and public trust; and to provide education, best practices, a political voice and networking opportunities for member organisations.  It has over 4,000 member contacts in 60 countries. The membership base covers the full range of this worldwide industry, comprising over 2 million installed ATMs.

1. For more information please contact:

Simon Gentry

+44 (0)20 7046 6080

+44 (0)7884 496 251

[email protected]