Germany investigates Russia links to weapons cache discovered in woods, reports say

What the report says

German authorities are investigating a possible link between a weapons cache found in woods near Berlin and alleged Russian operations, according to BBC World News and other reports cited in the article. The discovery was made last October, when Germany’s domestic intelligence service, working with Berlin state police, located two handguns and ammunition on the outskirts of the capital.

Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said federal prosecutors are now examining a suspect in Romania on suspicion of espionage and preparing a serious act of violence against the state. He did not confirm the reported Russian connection, but said foreign involvement could not be ruled out. The article says German security officials believe the cache may have been intended for attacks, including targeted killings.

The BBC report notes that German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung and broadcasters NDR and WDR reported the weapons were meant to support assassinations on behalf of Moscow. Dobrindt said the cache was monitored for months after the weapons were disabled, but no one was seen approaching it.

The case comes amid broader concern in Germany about Russian intelligence activity. Officials have previously warned about possible plots against defense industry figures and opposition activists living in exile. The article also references earlier cases, including a 2024 report alleging a Russian plot against a major arms executive and a 2021 murder conviction in Berlin that a court said was ordered by Moscow.