Russian meddling suspected in German car sabotage spree
More than 270 cars in Germany have been destroyed using expanding foam. Initially, climate activists were suspected, but "Der Spiegel" points to Russia as a possible perpetrator. The investigation is ongoing, and German authorities are examining potential links to the election campaign.
German investigators are looking into the destruction of over 270 cars, which were immobilized by inserting expanding foam into the exhaust pipes.
Initially, radical climate activists were suspected, but "Der Spiegel" suggests that the action may have been carried out by criminals supported by Russia.
Sabotage actions in Germany? Cars destroyed with expanding foam
The acts of vandalism took place in four federal states: Berlin, Brandenburg, Bavaria, and Baden-Württemberg.
According to "Der Spiegel," the action could have been part of a deliberate campaign aimed at dividing society and inciting hatred against the Greens and their candidate for chancellor, Robert Habeck.
The perpetrators were reportedly recruited through online communicators, and they were offered 100 euro (150 Canadian Dollars) for destroying each car. German authorities have already conducted searches, securing laptops, phones, and expanding foam.
The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution previously warned against foreign powers interfering in the German election campaign. Russian special services are increasingly using paid individuals for one-off actions.
Early parliamentary elections in Germany are scheduled for February 23, and the CDU/CSU bloc of Christian Democratic parties remains the favourite.
