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, reports say.
German authorities are probing a weapons cache discovered in the woods near Berlin last year, with intelligence suggesting the arsenal was intended for assassination plots allegedly backed by Russia, according to reports. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said prosecutors were interrogating a suspect in Romania on suspicion of espionage and "the preparation of a serious act of violence threatening the state."
While Dobrindt would not confirm Russian involvement, he said foreign powers could not be ruled out. Security agencies have long warned of Russian plans to assassinate German targets, possibly defense executives or opposition figures in exile. Last October, domestic intelligence learned of the possible weapons stash and, with assistance from Berlin State police, uncovered two handguns and ammunition.
The German security services suspect the weapons and ammo were meant for use in attacks. Reports in Süddeutsche Zeitung and NDR and WDR news outlets claim the cache was to enable targeted killings on behalf of Moscow. After rendering the guns inoperable, the cache was under surveillance for months without any suspicious activity.
Dobrindt emphasized that the case shows Germany faces a high threat level. The investigation stems from previous accusations of Russian attacks on German territory, including a 2024 CNN report alleging Moscow plotted to kill Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger, and a 2021 murder conviction of a Russian national in Berlin, ordered by Moscow.
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