Manhunt in Germany for 48-year-old suspect in attacks on energy infrastructure
A 48-year-old German from Gevelsberg is being sought for sabotage of electrical infrastructure. His motive is reportedly opposition to energy production from fossil fuels.
Suspect 48-year-old behind series of attacks on electrical infrastructure
German police have launched a manhunt for a 48-year-old man from Gevelsberg, near Dortmund, who is believed to be responsible for a series of sabotage attacks on critical electrical infrastructure across various regions of the country. According to Google News GR — Crime (el), citing the German news agency dpa, the suspect claimed responsibility through two letters, which contained details of incidents that had not yet been made public at the time they were sent.
According to the same information, the man's motive is to draw attention to electrical energy production from fossil fuels, which he himself characterised as "a crime". A police spokesperson stated, however: "First it must be established whether he is truly a suspect or simply an imitator".
Police conducted a raid on a residence in Gevelsberg and investigations continue. The interior minister of North Rhine-Westphalia, Herbert Reul, stated: "There is significant evidence suggesting that behind this is a person whose name we know". He added that the information from the letters was verified on the ground: "It was not a hoax. At least the information is correct".
Discovery of suspicious devices
A suspicious device was earlier found in an electrical substation in Dormagen, between Cologne and Düsseldorf. Examination of the object, which was discovered on Thursday evening, had not been completed at the time of the announcement. The newspaper Bild reported that devices for launching makeshift rockets, equipped with timers and copper wires, were found in the substation.
The letters also made reference to an impending attack on a power generation station near Aachen. Police conducted a thorough search in the area around the Weisweiler power station. A dpa journalist present at the scene observed officers from Sicherung collecting numerous small wires, dressed in protective suits and breathing apparatus.
High alert across the country
The recent incidents form part of a broader series of sabotage activities that took place earlier this week in North Rhine-Westphalia and Brandenburg. In Bergheim, west of Cologne, unknown persons placed wires over overhead transmission lines to cause a short circuit on Tuesday — the only material damage confirmed so far.
Reul assessed that "at present there is little evidence suggesting involvement of a foreign power", while he characterised the scenario of a lone perpetrator more likely, without ruling out involvement of a group.
In Ganderkesee, west of Bremen, a large police operation was also carried out at a substation following the discovery of an open electrical panel — however without perpetrators or damage being found. Police across the country are on high alert.
Source: Google News GR — Crime (el)