German federal prosecutors have opened an investigation into an underground stash of weapons discovered in a wooded area outside Berlin, treating the matter as a potential threat to national security. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt confirmed the inquiry during a press conference, stating the case reflects heightened threat levels facing the country. German authorities located two handguns and ammunition approximately a year ago following a tip from the domestic intelligence service but deliberately left the weapons at the site after disabling them to monitor the location through electronic surveillance.
German media outlets including Der Spiegel and Süddeutsche Zeitung have reported that investigators suspect the cache was connected to Russian intelligence planning potential assassinations on German territory. Rather than immediately securing the weapons, authorities conducted a months-long surveillance operation at the location. However, no one attempted to retrieve the arms, leading investigators to conclude that operatives may have discovered the cache had been found and abandoned their plans. German authorities are pursuing extradition of a suspect from Romania in connection with the discovery, described as a low-level operative.
The weapon discovery comes amid a broader pattern of alleged Russian covert activities targeting German and European interests. Officials have warned of escalating tactics by Russian security services, with potential targets including defense industry executives, opposition figures in exile, and Ukraine supporters. Similar incidents have surfaced across Europe, including Polish arrests related to parcels containing incendiary devices reportedly mailed from Romania, and a firebomb explosion at Leipzig airport in 2024. Investigators have drawn connections between the Berlin weapons cache and reported sabotage operations against Ukrainian logistics routes.
Recent cases have highlighted alleged Russian assassination plots against prominent figures in Germany’s defense sector. Authorities arrested individuals this spring in connection with an alleged plot against the head of a German drone manufacturer, while reports in 2024 documented a foiled Russian scheme targeting the chief executive of a major German arms company. The Kremlin has consistently denied involvement in sabotage, disruption, or intimidation activities targeting EU member states. Russian and federal prosecutor officials declined to comment on the current investigation.
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