The Federal Public Prosecutor General is investigating possible plans to sabotage Germany’s gas supply. According to the Karlsruhe-based authority, premises in Berlin and Frankfurt am Main were searched on Wednesday in connection with the matter. The suspicion relates to the former Berlin-based Gazprom subsidiary.
Gazprom Germania was a subsidiary of the state-controlled Russian group Gazprom. In late March 2022, shortly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the parent company divested itself of the subsidiary via “indirect share sales,” according to investigators. A Moscow-based company with no ties to the industry emerged as the new owner and reportedly immediately ordered the company’s liquidation. At the time, Gazprom Germania controlled at least 25 percent of Germany’s natural gas storage capacity.
No approval for the liquidation order had been obtained from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs—contrary to legal requirements. Federal prosecutors suspect the move was intended to disrupt Germany’s gas supply. However, this was prevented; as early as the beginning of April 2022, the Federal Network Agency took over the administration of Gazprom Germania as a trustee. Germany later nationalized the company; it is now known as Securing Energy for Europe (Sefe).
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Following news of the raids, a spokesperson for the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs stated: “It was necessary at the time to establish the trusteeship in order to ensure the security of energy supplies.”
Federal prosecutors accuse a Russian national of supporting the implementation of the liquidation order with the aim of sabotage. He is suspected of attempted sabotage against the constitutional order and of aiding and abetting violations of the Foreign Trade and Payments Act. Searches were conducted at his premises in Berlin, as well as at the premises of an individual not under suspicion. A raid was also carried out at a company in Frankfurt.
No arrests were made on Wednesday. According to the Federal Prosecutor’s Office, the searches were intended to clarify the existing suspicions. The police investigation is being led by the Customs Investigation Bureau.
According to the authorities, the risk of sabotage and espionage by Russia has increased. In recent months, several suspects have been arrested for allegedly spying for Russia from within Germany. A few days ago, the Joint Center for Countering Hybrid Threats began operations in Berlin; it is intended to serve as a platform for security agencies.
Author: AFP – smb/ran – Translated by Blackout News
Sources: AFP Press Portal