Attacks on substations: “I’m the one who caused the short circuits”

A device resembling a small rocket, fitted with metal wires and a timer, was found at a substation in Dormagen after a passer-by alerted police.

The device appeared suitable for triggering a short circuit and, theoretically, a blackout in the electricity network. Police found it on Thursday evening at the substation beside the A57 motorway, and the discovery was reported on Friday morning.

Similar devices had been found on Tuesday in Bergheim, also in North Rhine-Westphalia, and earlier near the Jänschwalde lignite power plant in eastern Germany. Another incident occurred in Turnow-Preilack, near the Polish border. Line failures followed at both locations, although neither caused serious consequences.

Police now have a suspect, Daniel V., and are examining whether he is responsible for the series of attacks. The evidence pointing to him, and what remains unclear, are central questions in the investigation.