Germany investigates Russia links to weapons cache discovery, reports say
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Germany investigates Russia links to weapons cache discovered in woods, reports say
German intelligence believes a cache of guns found in the woods near Berlin last year was for carrying out assassinations on behalf of Russia, according to reports.
Germany’s Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said federal prosecutors were investigating a suspect in Romania over suspicions of espionage and "the preparation of a serious act of violence threatening the state".
While refusing to confirm reports of Russian links to the cache, Dobrindt stated he could not rule out "the involvement of foreign powers".
For months, security agencies have warned that Russian intelligence services are planning assassinations in Germany, potentially targeting defence industry executives or opposition figures in exile.
Dobrindt revealed that last October, Germany’s domestic intelligence agency became aware of a possible weapons cache in woods on the outskirts of Berlin. Officials located the stash and discovered two handguns and ammunition.
The German security authorities suspect the weapons and ammunition were intended for use in attacks.
Reports in German daily newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung and public broadcasters NDR and WDR claim the cache was to facilitate targeted killings on behalf of Moscow.
Dobrindt explained that after the guns were rendered inoperable, the weapons cache was placed under surveillance for months but no one was seen approaching it.
"This case demonstrates that we are operating under a high threat level," Dobrindt said.
The minister added that prosecutors were investigating a suspect in Romania, who is being held in connection with planned parcel bomb attacks there. He noted this would be considered when deciding on possible extradition.
Describing the suspect as a "low-level agent", Dobrindt declined to disclose his nationality.
Several similar operatives have been detained so far this year, including one person from Kazakhstan.
The investigation follows previous accusations of Russian attacks on German soil, such as:
- 2024: CNN reported Russia had plotted to kill Armin Papperger, CEO of Germany’s largest arms company, Rheinmetall.
- 2021: Vadim Krasikov, a Russian national, was jailed in Germany for life for a murder in a Berlin park, later freed in a prisoner swap after Moscow intervened.
