Two Belarusian men held in Bavaria over alleged Russia-directed arson plot near Nuremberg

In brief

• Munich prosecutors are investigating two Belarusians aged 39 and 50 over a suspected arson plot near Nuremberg.
• The men have been in pretrial detention since October 7, and investigators link the plot to Russian intelligence.
• Romania is also seeking their extradition over a September arson attack in Brașov.

Suspects held since early October

The Munich Public Prosecutor General's Office confirmed that it is investigating two men from Belarus, aged 39 and 50, over an alleged sabotage plot in the Nuremberg region. The suspects have been in pretrial detention since October 7 under arrest warrants issued by the Fürth local court (Bayern: Ermittlungen gegen zwei Belarusen wegen Sabotageverdacht – tagesschau.de). The authorities said the men are suspected of intending to set fire to a building or facility belonging to critical infrastructure, using accelerants, in exchange for payment (Bayern - Ermittlungen gegen Belarussen wegen Sabotageverdachts – Deutschlandfunk).

Alleged links to Russia

Der Spiegel first reported the case and said security sources identify Russia as the client (Двух граждан Беларуси задержали в Германии - их подозревают в подготовке диверсии – Zerkalo). Prosecutors say there is a strong suspicion that the men acted on behalf of a foreign government or organisation. The investigation focuses on agent activity and conspiracy to commit sabotage and arson (В Германии арестованы двое граждан Беларуси – Charter 97). The case is handled by the Central Office for Combating Extremism and Terrorism at the Munich prosecutor's office.

Target area

According to the investigators, the plan involved setting fires near a railway line and a power line in the Nuremberg area. The exact target has not been publicly identified.

Romania investigation

The men are also under investigation in Romania. Romanian prosecutors suspect them of involvement in an arson attack in the city of Brașov in September, and the country's organised crime prosecutors have requested their extradition. Reports say the fire broke out on the night of September 14.

Context

Chancellor Friedrich Merz recently called Russia the main threat to Germany's stability, and Berlin has reported a steady stream of suspected hostile acts linked to Russian intelligence services (Alemania detiene a dos ciudadanos bielorrusos sospechosos de sabotajes por encargo de Rusia – EL PAÍS). Officials have not publicly said whether the case will go to trial or when charges might be filed.