Secret weapons cache discovered near Berlin: suspicion of Russian assassination plot
German security services located two pistols and ammunition in a forest near Berlin, allegedly hidden by Russian intelligence. Authorities have launched an investigation into preparations for an assassination attempt, amid threats against opponents of Vladimir Putin and senior figures in the German arms industry.
German security services have discovered a secret weapons cache in a forest near Berlin, which was allegedly used by Russian intelligence services to prepare for violent acts and even an assassination attempt. Two pistols and ammunition were found in the hideout, which German authorities believe were intended for "kinetic operations" — a term referring in this case to physical attacks, reported the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf today.
According to German media, the hideout was discovered last summer following information received by the authorities. After its discovery, security services decided not to remove the weapons immediately, but to neutralize them, attach GPS tracking devices, and return them to the site in the hope of arresting someone who would come to collect them.
However, no one came to take the weapons. Consequently, suspicion arose that the parties operating the hideout realized it had been exposed. German intelligence services currently estimate that the hideout is no longer active.
Nevertheless, a person arrested in Romania may be the one who established the hiding place. Following his arrest, German federal authorities opened an investigation against him on suspicion of preparing for an attempted murder.
According to reports, Russian intelligence services are suspected of planning a series of attacks on German soil. Among the possible targets are Russian opponents of President Vladimir Putin's regime living in the country, as well as senior executives at German companies supplying weapons to Ukraine.
The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, responsible for internal security in Germany, recently warned that Russia has increased its aggressive activity against the country. According to the assessment, one of the reasons for this is Germany's central role in supporting Ukraine since the Russian invasion, including through weapons, financial aid, and logistical support.
This week, it was also reported that two people were arrested for tracking the movements of the CEO of Donaustahl, a company that supplies drones, allegedly as part of possible preparations for an assassination attempt.
In 2024, a plot to assassinate Armin Papperger, CEO of the German arms giant Rheinmetall, was also uncovered following information provided by US intelligence services. Following the threats, heavy security was assigned to senior figures in the German arms industry.
Earlier this month, drones were found at Leipzig airport near a Ukrainian military transport plane, with one of them carrying explosives. According to the report, it appears the explosive device did not function as planned. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said he suspects a foreign power is behind the incident, but did not name Russia.
The Russian Embassy did not provide a response to the report regarding the discovery of the weapons cache.
