The far-left Vulkan group announced another attack on Berlin’s power grid online. The message circulated on the Indymedia internet platform shortly after the Berlin blackout. The text later disappeared, but authorities treated it as a concrete warrant for investigation. The Federal Prosecutor General is investigating because of potential extremist structures. (ntv: 08.01.26)
Volcano Group: New Threat, Rapid Investigation, No Hits on Site
A few days after the blackout in Berlin, the announcement triggered an operation in Marzahn-Hellersdorf. Police worked together with Stromnetz Berlin (Berlin’s electricity grid operator). A spokesperson said that officers had checked “all important, potentially affected areas as a precaution.” “Nothing was found.” According to the spokesperson, police deployed a small number of officers, and the Berlin Senate Department for the Interior confirmed the operation.
The Indymedia text targeted power lines in the eastern districts, and this is precisely what increases its relevance for operational planning. Investigators are now examining its authenticity, as they must distinguish between propaganda and actual preparation. They are also searching for technical traces to narrow down the circle of perpetrators. The Indymedia online portal plays a central role as a distribution channel, but ultimately, solid evidence is what counts.
Indymedia as a platform, but investigators are looking for evidence, not just buzzwords.
The Interior Ministry emphasized once again: “There were no findings.” Thus, the operation yielded no concrete results. Nevertheless, the work is not over, because digital threats can often only be assessed in retrospect. Investigators are therefore comparing wording, timing, and publication channels, and examining possible overlaps with previous texts. Such analyses are crucial for the power grid because attacks on network nodes can disrupt the energy supply of large areas.
At the same time, the Federal Prosecutor General is gaining more prominence because nationwide jurisdiction allows for faster consolidation of information. Federal prosecutors are investigating whether the Indymedia announcement fits into a series of events and whether support networks exist. Investigators are also examining the risks of future blackouts, as the most recent disruption already demonstrated the potential reach. The power grid therefore needs protection concepts that combine technical and police measures.
Blackout after arson attack – figures, consequences, political pressure on security
The current alarm is gaining significance because an arson attack in southwest Berlin triggered a massive blackout. On January 3, 45,000 households and 2,200 businesses were initially without power, and the grid operator only gradually restored it days later. Berlin’s Governing Mayor Kai Wegner later spoke of 100,000 people affected, and the city declared a major emergency on January 4. This power outage remains the benchmark because it shows how quickly the power grid can collapse.
Following the arson attack, a letter surfaced, deemed authentic by investigators, in which the Vulkan group claimed responsibility. This is precisely why authorities are now investigating whether the new Indymedia text originated from the same source. If the Vulkan group is planning another attack, a repeat of the blackout scenario is imminent, possibly in different districts this time. Furthermore, investigators are focusing their attention on high-voltage power lines and operational procedures, as acts of sabotage typically target vulnerable points.
Power Grid Under Scrutiny: What Investigators Are Prioritizing Now
Three points are crucial for the assessment, and these determine the next steps. First: Can the Indymedia text be technically attributed to a source, or is someone deliberately spreading false signals? Second: Are there indications of preparation, such as reconnaissance or material procurement, that would be consistent with an arson attack? Third: What security gaps have the blackout experience revealed, and how can the power grid be stabilized more quickly?
The authorities are relying on closer coordination, and the Federal Prosecutor General is compiling findings from federal and state authorities. Simultaneously, the grid operator is analyzing the affected systems to make the energy grid more resilient. The blackout thus remains not just a historical event, but an operational benchmark for the threat level. The Vulkan Group remains a focus of the investigators.