German Authorities Uncover Hidden Russian Weapons Cache Near Berlin

German authorities are investigating a concealed weapons cache discovered in a forest on the Berlin-Brandenburg border over suspicions that it was established on behalf of Russian intelligence services and intended for attacks.

The depot, found last October, contained two handguns and ammunition. A suspect linked to the investigation has since been arrested in Romania, according to Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt.

Federal prosecutors are investigating the man on suspicion of intelligence activity and preparing a serious act of violence threatening state security.

Weapons Secretly Disabled

The discovery prompted an extended covert operation involving Germany’s state security and counter-intelligence authorities.

Police specialists secretly altered the weapons to make them unusable before investigators placed the site under surveillance for several months.

No one subsequently arrived to collect the weapons.

The federal prosecutor’s office has opened proceedings over the “preparation of a serious act of violence threatening state security.”

Investigators have found indications that the cache was created on instructions from Russian intelligence services.

Suspect Detained in Romania

Dobrindt said the suspect was currently in custody in Romania and that German authorities were in close contact with Romanian counterparts, including over a possible extradition.

His nationality was not disclosed.

The man is described as a so-called disposable agent, an amateur operative recruited to carry out tasks for relatively small payments.

Authorities suspect he was also preparing attacks in Romania, including operations involving parcels. Investigators therefore believe the weapons found near Berlin may similarly have been intended for attacks.

“Espionage, sabotage and covert operations are part of the reality,” Dobrindt said.

“This case shows that we are dealing with a high threat level,” he concluded.

Sabotage Links Under Examination

Investigators are also examining possible links between the weapons cache and a suspected Russian-directed sabotage campaign targeting Ukrainian logistics networks.

Polish security authorities last year detained several people accused of preparing parcels containing incendiary devices or detonators, with some activity allegedly coordinated from Romania.

The devices could have been remotely or time-triggered while in transit, potentially damaging vehicles, cargo aircraft or logistics facilities.

A related incident occurred at Leipzig airport, where a parcel caught fire inside a cargo container on the tarmac.

Polish prosecutors said last October that several Ukrainians were under investigation for allegedly preparing sabotage operations on behalf of Russian intelligence services.

The suspected plots involved explosive and incendiary material placed in parcels destined for Ukraine and intended to detonate during transport.

Authorities said the alleged operations were designed to intimidate the population and destabilize EU member states. Authorities also reported two arrests in Romania.