Man accused of plot to blow up Kirkintilloch cash machine before leaving country

A man accused of helping try to blow up a cash machine has gone abroad despite claiming to have no passport, a court heard.

Raabi Risti is charged with committing the crime at a Santander bank in Kirkintilloch on May 31, 2021.

It is claimed, while he was acting with others, cylinders of oxygen and liquid petroleum gas were attached via hoses to an ATM in an attempt to cause an explosion.

The indictment states this was in a bid to force it open, intending to steal the cash inside.

As well as further charges of culpable and reckless conduct together with another under the Explosives Act, the Romanian national is further said to have then left “the United Kingdom by aeroplane” the next day to try and evade justice.

There is a final charge that he was then given bail by a sheriff on February 8, 2024, with a condition that he signed on at a Glasgow police station each day.

However, it is claimed he flouted that order on “various occasions”.

The case called at the High Court in Glasgow on Wednesday.

Risti, of Pollokshaws, had been due to attend, but he was not in the dock.

Prosecutor Greg Farrell told the hearing that Risti had been granted bail in February 2024, having earlier been told to surrender his passport and not to apply for a new one.

It emerged that Risti had claimed not to have a passport as he believed he had “lost it within the court building” and “could not find it”.

Mr Farrell added: “My understanding is that he is now not here because he is in France.”

Risti’s lawyer told the court the 29-year-old believed he had his passport in his “property” when he initially appeared in court, but then realised he did not.

Checks were made with the immigration authorities regarding this, and the Romanian Embassy was also alerted.

Allan MacLeod, defending, went on: “He contacted his solicitors a few weeks ago to inquire about this case.

“He is presently in France. I had a (video) interview with him last week.

“He wants to return to the country to answer the charges, but has to apply for a new passport.”

Judge Lady Drummond then asked how Risti got a passport to get abroad in the first place if he had lost it. She described it as “extraordinary”.

Mr MacLeod said that remains to be clarified, but confirmed Risti had definitely left the UK, having stated his mother had been “unwell”.

The defence advocate asked for Risti to be allowed the opportunity to return to Scotland on the understanding he may be remanded when he gets here.

Lady Drummond fixed another hearing for seven weeks’ time, but stated it is highly likely a warrant will be issued if Risti remains abroad.