Hamburg – A 37-year-old Romanian and a 54-year-old Greek national have been arrested in connection with alleged sabotage targeting German Navy corvettes. The arrests were carried out by Hamburg’s State Security police and the Public Prosecutor General.
The actions took place in Hamburg, with additional searches conducted in Greece and Romania. Authorities coordinated the operation through Eurojust, the agency responsible for cross-border organized crime, based in The Hague.
Lines Severed and Electronics Tampered With
According to the Public Prosecutor General, the two men are accused of manipulating several ships designated for the German Navy while working at a Hamburg shipyard in 2025. The alleged acts included pouring over 20 kilograms of shot blasting grit into a ship’s engine block, severing freshwater lines, removing fuel tank caps, and disabling ship electronics. The incidents were discovered during a check of the corvette “Emden” in mid-January before its planned voyage to Kiel.
The Public Prosecutor General stated that these actions could have resulted in significant damage to the ships or delayed their deployment, potentially endangering Germany’s security and the operational readiness of its forces.
Authorities are currently analyzing evidence and investigating potential individuals who may have commissioned the sabotage.
Impact on Naval Capabilities
According to the Public Prosecutor General, the alleged sabotage could have significantly impacted the capabilities of the ships and potentially compromised Germany’s security interests. The investigation is ongoing to determine the full extent of the damage and the motives behind the actions.
The “Emden” was christened at the Blohm + Voss shipyard in early May 2024 and completed its first extended sea trials in mid-January 2025, four years after its keel was laid. The ships are intended to be stationed at the Rostock Marine base in Hohe Düne near Warnemünde and technically supported in Kiel. Their planned deployment is for maritime surveillance and to increase Germany’s presence in the Baltic Sea.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specifically were the two men accused of doing?
The two men are accused of pouring shot blasting grit into an engine block, severing freshwater lines, removing fuel tank caps, and disabling ship electronics on German Navy corvettes.
Where did the investigation take place?
The investigation involved actions in Hamburg, Greece, and Romania, with coordination through Eurojust in The Hague.
When were these alleged acts of sabotage committed?
The alleged sabotage occurred in 2025 while the two men were employed at a Hamburg shipyard.
As the investigation continues, will authorities be able to determine the full scope of the damage and the motivations behind these alleged acts?
