German authorities have initiated a nationwide manhunt following a series of power grid sabotage incidents. The target is a 48-year-old man, identified in local media as Daniel V., who is suspected of orchestrating the attacks on critical electricity infrastructure.
Officials stated that Daniel V. allegedly sent letters claiming responsibility for these actions. Furthermore, law enforcement discovered suspicious and potentially explosive materials during searches of his apartment. This information intensified the ongoing investigation.
Germany has been rattled by multiple attacks on electricity substations this week. These incidents apparently aimed to cut power from coal-fired power stations, threatening widespread blackouts. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt commented, “We must assume that this is a case of climate extremism.”
Police launched an extensive operation to apprehend the suspect. For example, an elite, heavily armed police unit reportedly stormed a truck in Hambach Forest, North Rhine-Westphalia, believed to belong to Daniel V. However, they failed to locate him there.
The Hambach Forest area holds significant symbolic importance for Germany’s climate movement. Activists previously spent years protesting plans to clear vast sections of the forest. This clearing was intended for the expansion of a nearby open-cast lignite mine.
Earlier, police had raided the suspect’s apartment in Gevelsberg, located in western North Rhine-Westphalia. Security officials and various media outlets had received his letters detailing the attacks. Herbert Reul, the state’s interior minister, confirmed the discovery of “suspicious substances and suspected explosive materials or devices.”
These letters, which contained precise descriptions of the planned attacks, are presumed authentic. Minister Reul clarified the author’s stated motivation: “The author cites as his motive the fight against fossil fuels.” Nevertheless, Reul firmly stressed that “attacking critical infrastructure is a crime… There is no justification for this crime, no ideology that counts as an excuse.”
The recent power grid sabotage followed a consistent pattern. Firework-like devices were reportedly used to launch wires at overhead cables at substations. This method aimed to cause short circuits and disconnect power from nearby coal-powered plants. While no major outages occurred, some power-generating units were temporarily taken offline.
The initial attack took place on Tuesday morning, targeting a substation in eastern Brandenburg state. This incident damaged power cables and briefly disrupted supply. A subsequent attack occurred later the same day, focusing on a substation in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Authorities also indicate that Daniel V. confessed in his letters to planning further attacks. Moreover, devices designed to launch small rockets were discovered at other locations during the investigation. Germany has recently experienced several attacks on its power grid, with far-left activists claiming responsibility for some previous incidents.
A more serious incident occurred in Berlin in January, causing a week-long electricity outage. Tens of thousands of homes and businesses were left without power during winter. The far-left “Vulkangruppe” (Volcano Group) claimed responsibility for that arson attack on high-voltage cables.
