German authorities uncover arms cache near Berlin ‘linked to Russian spies’: Reports

German authorities discovered a hidden arms cache linked to Russian intelligence services on the outskirts of Berlin, public broadcasters NDR and WDR reported on Friday.

Germany’s domestic intelligence agency, the BfV, assesses that the weapons – found in a forest near the capital – were stashed for Russian spies, who could be ordered by Moscow to carry out attacks, the reports said.

The professionally concealed stockpile, which included handguns, was first discovered last autumn after authorities received a tip, according to the reports. After inspecting it, authorities left the cache intact for a time and monitored the site in hopes of identifying the masterminds or anyone who came to retrieve the weapons.

A suspect was arrested in Romania last autumn in connection with the discovery, the reports said. German security authorities believe the man may have established the cache. The Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office has been investigating the case since November on suspicion of preparing a serious act of violence endangering the state.

The daily Suddeutsche Zeitung, which reported the story together with NDR and WDR, said security officials think the weapons could be used for assassination operations ordered by Russian intelligence. Moscow’s alleged “kill list” reportedly includes defense industry executives, opposition figures living in exile, and various supporters of Ukraine.

Neither German authorities nor the Russian Embassy in Berlin have issued an official statement on the allegations. Russia has previously rejected allegations of assassinations, sabotage, and spying in Ukraine-allied countries, claiming that Western governments were stoking “anti-Russian paranoia.”