Police say several groups may be behind the attacks, while banks stress they are strengthening protection of cash machines.
The list of Slovak municipalities hit by ATM blasts, including Piešťany, Chtelnica, Madunice and Malacky, has recently grown to include Dolné Saliby. In this village in southern Slovakia, the only local ATM exploded on March 18. The perpetrators fled with the machine. So far, police have only identified two people who may have been directly involved in some of the attacks.
The incident in Dolné Saliby points to the growing problem of ATM attacks across Slovakia. In 2025, 29 machines were blown up; in the first three months of 2026, police recorded 15 such cases. The exact amount of cash stolen is not known, as not every ATM explosion ends successfully for the thieves. Some are caught by police, witnesses alert the authorities, or anti-theft systems damage the cash before the perpetrators can escape. Some ATMs use security mechanisms that stain or otherwise render banknotes unusable. For tactical reasons, both police and banks are reluctant to provide details.
The Police Presidium is also aware that ATM explosions are becoming a problem. It has set up a working group focusing exclusively on ATM gangs. Its members include police officers and investigators from all regions of Slovakia.
