Berlin Intensifies Fight Against Gun Violence, Over 50 Suspects Detained

Berlin police and prosecutors are intensifying their fight against gun violence with specialized units, resulting in more than 50 suspects being placed in pre-trial detention. Authorities are still searching for additional alleged perpetrators, with a total of 68 arrest warrants issued as of August 13. The special unit "Ferrum" (Latin for "iron") at the State Criminal Police Office (LKA) has initiated over 600 investigations since its establishment about nine months ago. During these operations, more than 3,800 vehicles and 866 businesses were inspected, leading to the temporary arrest of approximately 280 individuals. The prosecutor's office has a dedicated investigation group, "Telum" (Latin for "assault weapon"), which works closely with "Ferrum" to bolster efforts against organized crime. "Telum" has handled 197 cases since its inception about five months ago, with charges filed in eleven of them. "We are trying to take as many people off the streets as possible and penetrate the structures," stated department head Thorsten Cloidt. Gun violence in Berlin has escalated dramatically in recent years, with 1,119 incidents of firearm use recorded in 2025, a 68 percent increase from 2024. This year alone, police have reported 62 offenses involving live firearms as of August 5.

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We are trying to take as many people off the streets as possible and penetrate the structures.