German authorities discovered a weapons cache containing two handguns and ammunition hidden in a forest on the outskirts of Berlin in October 2025 [1, 2, 3]. The weapons were rendered inoperable but the cache remained under surveillance for several months without anyone approaching it [1, 3].
Germany’s domestic intelligence agency (BfV) and federal prosecutors have been investigating the case since October and November 2025 on suspicion of preparing serious acts of violence threatening the state [1, 3]. Officials believe the cache was intended for use in assassinations or violent attacks on behalf of Russian intelligence services [1, 2, 3]. Potential targets included defence industry executives, exiled opposition figures, and supporters of Ukraine [1, 2].
A suspect described as a “low-level agent” was arrested in Romania in autumn 2025 in connection with espionage and preparing acts of violence threatening Germany’s security [1, 2, 3]. He may have been responsible for establishing the weapons cache near Berlin [2, 3].
German security agencies issued warnings throughout 2026 about Russian intelligence planning assassinations within Germany [1, 2]. Similar operatives linked to foreign intelligence— including one from Kazakhstan— have been detained in Germany this year [1].
German political figures have reacted angrily to reports that Russian plots targeted executives at Rheinmetall, Germany’s largest arms company [1]. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said, “This case demonstrates that we are operating under a high threat level” [1].
The investigation was publicly reported on August 21, 2026 by Süddeutsche Zeitung, NDR, and WDR [1, 2, 3]. Federal prosecutors continue to pursue leads connected to the weapons cache and its suspected Russian handlers [3].
