Germany Investigates Russian-Linked Weapons Cache Found Near Berlin
Subterranean Arms Cache Uncovered in Berlin Forest
German security authorities are investigating a hidden weapons cache discovered in a forest near Berlin last year. According to Sueddeutsche Zeitung, authorities believe the weapons were to be used to carry out assassinations on behalf of Russian intelligence.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt announced the ongoing probe on Friday, confirming that Germany is in contact with Romania regarding the potential extradition of a detained suspect linked to the storage site.
Joint Media Probe Exposes Foreign Intelligence Plot
According to reporting published jointly by Sueddeutsche Zeitung, NDR, and WDR on Friday, one suspect has been arrested in Romania and may have been responsible for setting up the weapons storage.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt stated at a press conference that the case demonstrates a high threat level, adding that he could not rule out the involvement of foreign powers.
Federal Prosecutors Investigate State-Threatening Violence
Germany’s domestic intelligence service is convinced that those setting up the cache were acting on orders from Russian services, as reported by Sueddeutsche Zeitung. The Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office is investigating the case on suspicion of planning of a serious act of violence posing a threat to the state.
Defense Executives and Exiles Marked as Potential Targets
Investigators believe the handguns recovered from the wooded area near Berlin were earmarked for attacks on specific individuals. According to the joint media report, potential targets include defence industry executives, exiled opposition figures and supporters of Ukraine.
Escalating European Warnings Amid Silence From Moscow
Germany’s domestic intelligence service has been warning of a heightened risk of Russian sabotage or assassination attempts.
Neither the Federal Public Prosecutor nor Germany’s domestic intelligence service commented on the specific operational details when approached by media outlets. The Russian embassy did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the allegations.
German authorities continue to coordinate with international law enforcement partners in Romania to secure the extradition of the detained suspect as the investigation proceeds.