Gazprom Germania GmbH: Raid over planned sabotage of German gas supply

Federal prosecutors in Germany have conducted searches at several locations in Berlin and Frankfurt as part of an investigation into suspected unconstitutional sabotage. The probe centers on allegations that the German gas supply was targeted for disruption in 2022 through Russian influence. Specifically, investigators accuse a Russian citizen of aiding in the economic liquidation of Gazprom Germania GmbH, the German subsidiary of the Russian state-owned energy giant, in March 2022. This occurred after the company was separated from its parent firm. The individual allegedly took over the gas company indirectly. At the time of the takeover, Gazprom Germania controlled at least 25 percent of Germany's gas storage capacity. Prosecutors believe the planned dissolution of the company was carried out in violation of the Foreign Trade Act and without approval from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. The investigators suspect that the sale and liquidation of Gazprom Germania were intended to "impair the gas supply in Germany." However, this plan was thwarted when the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs ordered the interim fiduciary management of Gazprom Germania GmbH by the Federal Network Agency.