Major raid in Berlin: 150 police officers search nine flats over extortion
Eight men are alleged to have extorted a victim over several months and physically assaulted him in February. Evidence and cash were secured during a coordinated operation.
Raid against extortion gang: Operation in five Berlin districts
Around 150 police officers from Berlin and Brandenburg searched nine flats in the capital early on Wednesday morning. According to reports, the measures were directed against eight suspects aged between 27 and 48 years old, who are accused of aggravated extortion, unlawful imprisonment and dangerous bodily harm.
At around 5.30 a.m., the operation units moved into action. The officers struck almost simultaneously at addresses in Neukölln, Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf, Steglitz-Zehlendorf, Mitte and Tempelhof-Schöneberg. Heavily armed police officers secured entrances and stairwells, whilst operational forces used battering rams to gain access to the flats.
Officers also arrived shortly before six o'clock on Krausenstraße in Berlin-Mitte in front of a newly constructed building. Investigators from the State Criminal Police Office then began searching the premises. For several hours, officers carried boxes, bags and seized items out of the building.
Months of extortion, escalation in February
According to Berlin's public prosecutor's office, the men are alleged to have made unlawful financial demands against a victim over an extended period. In February of this year, the situation is said to have escalated: the suspects are alleged to have physically assaulted the victim and caused him considerable injuries—whilst simultaneously making further financial demands.
An arrest warrant previously obtained against a 23-year-old was executed during the course of the operation. Investigators also secured numerous pieces of evidence, including mobile phones, computers, further electronic data storage devices, written documentation and cash in the lower five-figure range.
Communication data in focus of investigation
The seized communication devices are likely to be of particular interest to the investigators. Analysis of the mobile phones and computers is intended to clarify how the suspects communicated with one another, what roles the individual accused played and whether further persons may have been involved in the offences.
According to the public prosecutor's office, investigations into the exact background, course of events and possible further involvement continue. The authorities did not wish to disclose further details for the time being.
Source: WELT