Suspected Russian sabotage in Berlin arms factory fire
Deutsche Welle reports that, according to German investigators, the fire at the Diehl arms factory in Berlin, which produces weapons including for Ukraine, was likely an act of Russian sabotage.
In May, a fire occurred at the Diehl Metal Applications factory on the outskirts of Berlin. The initial and most plausible cause was believed to be an accident. However, German law enforcement now suspects that Russian saboteurs are responsible for the fire. Their motive is thought to be disrupting the supply of weapons and ammunition to Ukraine. The factory produces IRIS-T air defence systems, which protect Ukrainian cities from Russian attacks.
According to the insurer's report, the company announced that the cause of the fire was a technical issue. However, a Diehl representative stated that "theoretically," the technical issue could have resulted from a sabotage action.
German police have launched an investigation. Investigators say that no possible cause can be ruled out. The fire likely originated in an area accessible to few employees. Additionally, the fire destroyed all video recordings.
Is there evidence of Russia's involvement?
In the case of the Diehl factory, electronic communication supposedly provided proof of Russian sabotage. However, the court did not consider this evidence, as reported by DW, which prevents a definitive accusation. The intercepted information allegedly leaked to the German government through intelligence from one of NATO's allies.
One of the investigators noted that, in light of recent events, many incidents classified as accidents should be reconsidered from the perspective of sabotage.
The attack was carried out by "experienced professionals," reported the Wall Street Journal, citing investigators' statements. According to these reports, Russia had recruited civilians, mainly with criminal backgrounds, through social media platforms such as Telegram. They were paid in cryptocurrencies for their work.
European authorities had refrained from publicly accusing Moscow for fear of escalating the conflict. However, privately, intelligence officials claim that Russia is targeting civilian and military facilities in Europe, as well as people involved in efforts to assist Ukraine, indicates DW.
