German special services warn of possible sabotage by the Russian Federation on the infrastructure of DHL
In domestic and European infospaces discuss, that the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution and the Federal Office of the Criminal Police of Germany “have known for several weeks about several parcels that were sent by private individuals in various places in Europe and caught fire on the way to the addressees in several European countries.” This was reported by the security services of the information agency DPA – Germany’s largest intelligence agency. This notice was sent by both authorities to companies in the aviation and logistics sectors.
The incident at the global hub of the DHL company in Leipzig
DHL reported two such incidents. Suspicious packages contained electronic devices and containers with liquids. Law enforcement officers of the Federal Republic of Germany see all the signs of sabotage in these incidents.
In July, a package sent from the Baltic States, in which an ignition device was planted, caught fire at the DHL logistics center in Leipzig. The parcel set fire to an entire shipping container containing other parcels. The fire was allegedly extinguished quickly. The logistics center in Leipzig was supposed to be an intermediate link in the shipment of the shipment, after which it was to be delivered to the final addressee. In security circles, it is assumed that the incident is connected with the increasing number of cases of suspected Russian sabotage.
According to DPA, the Federal Prosecutor’s Office in Karlsruhe took over the investigation. A spokeswoman for the agency declined to provide any information upon request. But they say that similar cases also happen in other European countries.
International arsonists-terrorists – you-know-who
After the fire in the Leipzig cargo center of DHL – the company’s global hub – the security authorities were alerted. They warn of “unconventional ignition devices” in parcels sent by unknown persons. Law enforcement officers do not rule out the possibility of Russian sabotage. Although the word “Russia” is not mentioned in the warning from the Federal Department for the Protection of the Constitution and the Federal Department of the Criminal Police. Nevertheless, security circles do not rule out a connection with the increase in cases of Russian sabotage in Germany.
What measures have DHL taken
DHL responded promptly to the incidents: “In response to investigations by authorities in several countries, DHL Express has taken measures in all European countries to protect its network, employees and premises, as well as its customers’ shipments. We are aware of two recent incidents involving shipments on our network.”
All parcels forwarded through an international logistics company specializing in express delivery are thoroughly checked for suspicious items and devices. X-ray machines and other package scanning technologies are used for this. Additional security measures are being implemented at parcel sorting and processing locations. The company’s employees undergo regular training on identifying and responding to potential threats. DHL works closely with law enforcement and security services to investigate incidents and prevent further incidents.
Pyrotechnic diversions may not be isolated
The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution explained that it informs commercial enterprises and trade associations about potential security risks on an individual basis.
A letter from the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution and the Federal Criminal Office indicated that other parcels containing non-traditional incendiary devices may be sent. The companies contacted were asked to inform their employees and take precautionary measures. It is believed that these devices were sent deliberately to cause damage to transport companies and other logistics infrastructure in Europe.
Activation of Russian sabotage and espionage activities in Germany
All packages discovered so far contained electrical devices and containers with liquids. The costs of their delivery were often much higher than the cost of the goods themselves. It is known in security circles that Russian sabotage and espionage activities in Germany have intensified recently, in particular with the use of drones.
Russia is accused of such criminal offenses as espionage and terrorism. The Federal Department for the Protection of the Constitution has repeatedly warned about Russian sabotage. On July 26, the agency posted a security notice on its website to raise awareness of Russian acts of sabotage. They noted that incidents of sabotage have been observed across Europe since 2023, and there are growing indications of possible activity in Germany. It is assumed that there is an increased risk of subversive activities or preparatory acts in Germany.
Last week, it was reported that a temporary increase in security at the NATO air base in Heilenkirchen, near Aachen, was prompted by intelligence about a possible Russian threat. Foreign intelligence has received serious evidence of Russian sabotage against a NATO base using a drone.
The NATO air base in North Rhine-Westphalia was under the second highest level of security for almost 24 hours. After nothing happened, the security measures were reduced to the previous level.
Russia appears to be becoming increasingly aggressive in its use of drones. According to security sources, there are increasing signs that Russia is becoming more ruthless in its drone flights over Bundeswehr bases, especially where Ukrainian soldiers are being trained.
There have also recently been fears of sabotage at Bundeswehr bases. However, after the investigation, the situation was calmed down. For example, the police and state security investigated an incident at the Cologne Van Air Force Barracks water plant due to suspected drinking water contamination. Security services suggest that repeated drone flights over critical infrastructure in Schleswig-Holstein are also linked to Russia
Tatyana Morarash
