Kiosk owner admits role in illegal weapons sales during German arms trial

A kiosk owner has admitted to facilitating weapons sales involving two defendants in a trial over a massive illegal arms cache in Remscheid. Testifying as a witness at the Wuppertal Regional Court, the 50-year-old man stated he procured weapons for a friend with the help of the 35 and 38-year-old accused men.

He described selling a revolver for approximately 2,000 to 2,200 euros in November 2024. Nearly three months later, he facilitated the sale of a Skorpion machine pistol for 3,000 to 3,500 euros. The presiding judge noted a discrepancy, pointing out that the witness had previously told police the price was up to 4,500 euros.

“

I only learned from the press at the time that my kiosk played a role in the weapons findings.

The witness, who has a prior conviction for armed drug trafficking resulting in a seven-year, nine-month sentence in November 2025, agreed to testify about the illegal arms deals as part of a plea agreement in that case. He received 200 to 300 euros from one of the defendants for each weapons transaction he mediated.

Police initially received tips about drug and weapons sales at the kiosk, which led to the discovery of the extensive arms depot. "I only learned from the press at the time that my kiosk played a role in the weapons findings," the witness stated. The trial focuses on arms trafficking and one of the largest war weapon finds in Germany since 1945. Approximately 300 firearms were seized during searches in Remscheid.

“

I have procured weapons for a friend with the help of the 35 and 38-year-old men.