Berlin authorities are offering a substantial reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for a January attack on the city’s power supply. The German Federal Government has pledged up to one million euros for tips that help identify the perpetrators.
Power Supply Disrupted, Investigation Intensifies
The reward was announced by Berlin Senator for the Interior, Iris Spranger (SPD), following a meeting of the House of Representatives’ Interior Committee. Spranger described the reward as an “unprecedented step,” stating she could not recall a similar action by the federal government in terms of scale or circumstance. The goal, she said, is to clarify an act of “terrorism” in collaboration with the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) and the Federal Public Prosecutor General.
Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) had previously advocated for a “high financial reward” to encourage information sharing. The January attack, which targeted a cable bridge, left approximately 45,000 households and 2,200 businesses without power for several days.
“Vulkangruppe” Claims Responsibility
A letter claiming responsibility for the attack was signed by a group calling itself “Vulkangruppe.” Both state and federal authorities, including the Office for the Protection of the Constitution (Verfassungsschutz), have deemed the letter credible. According to the Verfassungsschutz, “Vulkangruppen” have been active since 2011, carrying out arson attacks in Berlin and Brandenburg.
Their targets typically include cable shafts along railway lines, radio masts, data lines, and, in some cases, company vehicles. The group previously claimed responsibility for two attacks on the Tesla factory in Grünheide, Brandenburg, denouncing it as “green capitalism.” In May 2021, they damaged the factory’s power supply, and in March 2024, a high-voltage mast near the plant was destroyed by arson, cutting off power to the factory and surrounding areas.
The Federal Public Prosecutor General is now investigating on suspicion of membership in a terrorist organization, subversive acts against the constitution, arson, and disruption of public utilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the “Vulkangruppe”?
The “Vulkangruppe” is a group that has been active since 2011, carrying out arson attacks in Berlin and Brandenburg, typically targeting infrastructure like cable shafts and radio masts.
How many people were affected by the power outage?
The brandanschlag on the cable bridge left approximately 45,000 households and 2,200 businesses without power for several days.
What charges are being investigated?
The Federal Public Prosecutor General is investigating on suspicion of membership in a terrorist organization, subversive acts against the constitution, arson, and disruption of public utilities.
As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen whether the reward will generate actionable leads. It is possible that increased surveillance and investigative efforts will be deployed in the affected regions, and authorities may seek to further analyze the group’s past activities to anticipate future targets.
