Secret weapons cache near Berlin linked to Russian intelligence, German investigators suspect

German authorities are investigating a hidden weapons cache found in a forest near Berlin, with suspicions pointing towards Russian intelligence services and potential attack plans within Germany. The Federal Public Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation into suspected preparation of a serious act of violence threatening state security. This discovery comes approximately two weeks after German officials found a drone carrying explosives at Leipzig airport. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt confirmed the federal prosecutor's investigation, stating, "This case shows that we are operating under a high level of threat." He noted that involvement of "foreign powers" could not be ruled out, similar to the Leipzig incident. German media reports indicate that intelligence services discovered two pistols and ammunition in the cache about a year ago. The counter-intelligence agency had received information about the weapons' location. According to reports from Der Spiegel and Süddeutsche Zeitung, state security and counter-intelligence services had been covertly investigating the site for an extended period. Investigators suspected Russian intelligence might have been planning attacks in Germany. German authorities did not remove the weapons from the cache. Dobrindt explained that the pistols were left in place after being rendered unusable. The prolonged surveillance, lasting several months, was intended to identify who would retrieve the hidden arms. However, no one appeared to claim the weapons. Investigators concluded that the individuals responsible for the cache might have learned of its discovery, rendering it "dead," meaning it would no longer be used. A suspect is currently in Romania, and Berlin is seeking their extradition. Dobrindt described the individual as a "low-level agent" but did not disclose their nationality. He also mentioned that several other individuals fulfilling similar roles had been detained this year.

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This case shows that we are operating under a high level of threat.