Man detained over Berlin gun stash suspected of being part of Russian network, Spiegel says
A Ukrainian man detained in Romania over a hidden stash of guns and ammunition near Berlin is suspected of being part of a Russian-controlled agent network, according to Der Spiegel and sources cited by Reuters.
The weapons cache was discovered in a forest near Berlin, where German authorities found handguns and ammunition. Investigators believe the weapons may have been intended for attacks, including possible assassinations carried out on behalf of Russian intelligence.
The Ukrainian suspect was detained in Romania and German authorities are discussing his possible extradition. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said last week that authorities were considering bringing him back to Germany for further investigation.
According to Der Spiegel, Romanian intelligence services believe the suspect and another Ukrainian detainee belong to a network of saboteurs allegedly controlled by Russian state services. The network is suspected of targeting European countries through covert operations.
Investigators are also examining a possible connection to parcels containing incendiary devices. According to the report, the suspect allegedly travelled by bus back to Poland before later being detained in Bucharest alongside another Ukrainian man accused of involvement in sending suspicious packages through the Ukrainian delivery company Nova Post.
The case comes amid growing concerns in Germany about alleged Russian sabotage and espionage operations. German authorities have been investigating several incidents involving suspected attacks, weapons caches and covert activities linked to Russia, although Moscow has denied involvement in such operations.
The full purpose of the weapons cache and the exact role of the detained man remain under investigation. Authorities have not publicly confirmed that the suspect was acting directly on behalf of Russian intelligence, and the allegations reported by Der Spiegel are based on unnamed sources.