German media says authorities believe the weapons stash is from Russian intelligence | DW News

(BERLIN, GERMANY) – German authorities are seeking the extradition of a Romanian citizen after a secret cache of weapons was discovered in woodland near Berlin, in a case that bears the hallmarks of Russian intelligence involvement.

The weapons stash, consisting of two handguns and ammunition, was found in forests on the outskirts of the German capital following a tip off to authorities. Police made the weapons unusable and placed the site under observation for months, but no one attempted to retrieve them.

Germany’s Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt confirmed reports about the weapons without naming Russia directly. He said the case forms part of a wider range of hybrid threat scenarios facing Germany.

“Hybrid threat scenarios affect us in a wide variety of ways,” Dobrindt said. When asked whether foreign involvement could be ruled out, he replied, “No, but the ongoing proceedings will clarify this.”

A man has been arrested in Romania in connection with the case and is being held while Germany seeks his extradition. German authorities have begun an investigation on suspicion of espionage and preparing to carry out serious crime.

Investigators believe the weapons may have been hidden by what officials describe as “low level agents” or “disposable operatives.” These are not professional intelligence operatives but individuals persuaded with money or other inducements to carry out specific tasks such as burying weapons.

The method of concealment required care. The weapons had to be stored in a way that would allow later retrieval, with attention given to preventing water damage.

German media reports suggest the weapons may have been intended for use against senior business figures in the arms industry or possibly opposition members or supporters of the Ukrainian opposition in Germany.

The interior minister said he could not attribute the case to a specific perpetrator but noted it fits within the context of massive hybrid attacks Germany has been facing.

German intelligence services are reportedly convinced that Russia was behind the weapons cache, according to media reports. The German government has condemned Russian hybrid attacks but ministers have stopped short of making specific accusations without concrete evidence.