Weapons cache linked to Russia found near Berlin
German security services have discovered a professionally set up weapons cache near Berlin believed to have been created on the orders of Russian intelligence agencies. Prosecutors are investigating it as preparation for a serious act of violence.
German media outlets NDR, WDR and the newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung report that security services have uncovered a hidden weapons cache near Berlin that is being linked to Russian intelligence services.
According to the reports, at the end of last summer authorities received information about a professionally arranged hiding place in Brandenburg, the state bordering the German capital. Two pistols were found at the site.
Germany's Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) suspects the cache in the forest was set up on the orders of Russian intelligence services. The Federal Prosecutor General's Office has opened an investigation on suspicion of preparing a serious act of violence endangering the state.
Suspect detained in Romania
A suspect linked to the case has been detained in Romania. Media reports say the weapons found were rendered unusable, and the cache was placed under surveillance, though this yielded no results — reports suggest those involved likely became aware the hideout had been discovered.
German security authorities are now convinced the weapons were being stored for agents intended to carry out so-called "kinetic operations" in Germany on Moscow's behalf, including assassinations. BfV chief Sinan Selen has warned for several months that Russia could carry out attacks on individuals, naming weapons manufacturers, exiled opposition figures and supporters of Ukraine as potential targets.
Earlier, Stefan Thumann, head of German drone manufacturer Donaustahl, said he had been forced into hiding from Russian intelligence services amid reports of a planned assassination attempt against him. Separately, in the summer of 2024 media first reported a foiled attempt by Russian intelligence to kill the CEO of German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall, and in January 2025 NATO officially confirmed that Russia had intended to kill Rheinmetall chief executive Armin Papperger.
