More than 50,000 households suffered power and heating outages after the attack on Berlin’s electricity grid. The Federal Prosecutor General has so far found no concrete leads on the perpetrators and remains completely in the dark. Therefore, the authorities are considering offering a reward, as only a solid lead can put the investigation against the Vulkan group on a new footing. (berliner-zeitung: 23.01.26)
Reward as leverage – investigators rely on information from the victim’s circle
The Federal Prosecutor General is considering offering a reward of up to one million euros. The aim is to create a reward that will encourage those with knowledge of the case to talk and reveal contacts. This includes details that no confession letter can provide.
The Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) is working closely with the investigation to solidify evidence and reconstruct communication channels. Nevertheless, names that could link the planning and execution of the attack are still lacking. The attack on the power grid thus demonstrates how effectively conspiratorial sabotage can hinder investigations. However, the attack also reveals how little left-wing extremist groups are under the appropriate surveillance of security authorities, as the Vulkan Group has been responsible for several attacks for years.
Power Attack in a Terrorist Context – New Classification, New Jurisdiction
Policymakers now classify the series of attacks as terrorism, shifting the focus to the federal level. Therefore, the Federal Prosecutor General is conducting the investigation jointly with the BKA. This sabotage targeted critical infrastructure and aimed for maximum impact on daily life.
The Vulkan Group has claimed responsibility for attacks for years and uses communiqués as a propaganda tool. However, a text is no substitute for evidence if it doesn’t lead to any individuals. The Federal Prosecutor General therefore needs verifiable evidence that can be used in court.
Vulkan Group and the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA): Manhunt Targeting People
A reward might break the silence of those on the periphery, as knowledge of logistics and safe houses often exists within their wider circle. At the same time, the BKA is analyzing networks, potential supporters, and movement patterns. The criminal investigation department is also paying attention to procurement and access routes, because such chains of events, especially after an electrical attack, are rarely coincidental.
Ultimately, the Federal Prosecutor General needs a complete chain of evidence. However, this is only possible if leads are precise and can be independently verified. The cell therefore remains under investigation, even though investigators have not yet reported any raids.
Historical Standards and Operational Objectives
Germany has historically relied on large sums of money when perpetrators remained elusive. However, it is not the amount alone that matters, but the quality of the information. A reward is only effective if it translates usable leads into concrete investigative approaches.
In the current case, every piece of information that clarifies roles and makes routes comprehensible is crucial. Furthermore, a single source may be sufficient to uncover structures instead of relying on chance. This is precisely what the Federal Prosecutor General, together with the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), is aiming for in the vicinity of the Vulkan Group.