German authorities are currently probing a hidden weapons cache found in a forest near Berlin over suspected association with Russian intelligence and possible plans for murders on German soil.
The cache, having two handguns and ammunition, was found nearly a year ago after Germany’s domestic intelligence agency received a tip.
A report suggested authorities left the weapons at the site after disabling them, hoping to identify anyone who might attempt to retrieve them.
On Friday, Germany’s Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt confirmed that federal prosecutors launched a probe into suspected preparations for a serious violent act threatening national security.
He stated the case demonstrated that Germany remained operative under a “high threat level” and that foreign involvement could not be ruled out.
According to German media reports, including Der Spiegel and Süddeutsche Zeitung, stated investigators suspect the weapons may have been intended for Russian intelligence operations. Authorities are seeking the extradition of a suspect from Romania, described by Dobrindt as a “low-level agent.”
Investigators believe the weapons cache may be connected to wider Russian efforts involving sabotage and possible targeted attacks.
A report suggested potential targets could include defence industry executives, opposition figures spending their lives in exile.
The probe comes amid increasing concerns in Germany over alleged Russian espionage and sabotage activities.
Earlier this month, German authorities also investigated a drone carrying explosives found at Leipzig airport.
German intelligence officials have warned that Russian secret services are adopting increasingly aggressive tactics across Europe. Moscow has repeatedly denied involvement in sabotage, intimidation or other covert operations targeting European Union countries.
As per authorities, no one attempted to collect the hidden weapons after their discovery, leading investigators to believe the individuals responsible may have learned that the cache had been compromised.
