A major success for the Austrian investigators: three Lithuanian men who allegedly carried out thirteen professional coups against banks in five states were arrested. The total damage amounts to 545,000 euros and a possible fourth accomplice is being sought.
They had been up to mischief since late 2020 and it was only discovered in November 2023. Three Lithuanian nationals and a possible accomplice are said to have carried out thirteen coups at banks in Lower Austria, Styria, Upper Austria, Salzburg and Vorarlberg. Total damage: over half a million euros.
On November 12, 2023, the detectives were successful. They first arrested a 43-year-old suspect before he left for the Czech Republic. In his car, 64,500 euros in cash and jewelry were hidden in a cavity. His accomplices, a 45-year-old and a 52-year-old, were caught on their way to Vienna the same day. They also had cash and instruments of crime in the car. A fourth accomplice is being sought.
Thieves acted ‘in division of labor and very professionally’
It turned out that the evidence seized came from her last two burglaries in Styria in early November. In total, the group is said to have stolen 380,000 euros in cash from bank safes and caused 165,000 euros in property damage. Jewelry and gold and silver bars were also stolen.
According to the State Police Directorate of Lower Austria, the men acted “discordantly and very professionally,” which is why investigators from several European countries were called in. The group had explored the crime scene for several months before striking – rental cars from various providers were also used.
An unknown person who is still on the run
While three out of four Lithuanians are in prison in Salzburg, their fugitive 45-year-old compatriot is being searched on the basis of a European arrest warrant. All suspects have relevant criminal records abroad, police said.
Source: Krone
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