Germany Seeks Extradition From Romania Over Gun Stash Near Berlin Forest
Extradition Efforts and Investigation Details
Background of the Case
BERLIN, Aug 21 (Reuters) - Germany is in touch with Romania over the possible extradition of a man detained there in connection with a gun stash found in a forest near Berlin last year, said Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt on Friday.
Security Concerns and Threat Level
"This case demonstrates that we are operating under a high threat level," said Dobrindt at a press conference.
Suspect Profile and Related Arrests
He described the suspect as a "low-level agent" without knowledge of the line of command steering him, adding that several similarly uninformed operatives had been detained so far this year, including one Kazakh national.
Possible Motives and International Involvement
While earlier media reports by Sueddeutsche Zeitung and other outlets quoted sources as saying that German intelligence believes the weapons were meant to be used for assassinations on behalf of Russian intelligence, the minister only said he could not rule out the involvement of foreign powers.
Connection to Parcel Bomb Plots
Dobrindt said the suspect, whose nationality he would not disclose, was also held in connection with planned parcel bomb attacks in Romania.
This would play a role in talks with Romanian authorities over a potential extradition.
Ongoing Investigation and Surveillance
"We will then determine, in the course of the investigation, what measures can be taken against this person," he added.
Romania's justice ministry did not immediately reply to a request for comment.
Discovery and Monitoring of the Gun Stash
Dobrindt said the stash, which also included ammunition, was placed under surveillance for months after its discovery but nobody was seen approaching it.
(Reporting by Ludwig Burger, Additional reporting by Jason Hovet, Editing by Friederike Heine and Miranda Murray)
