Headlines
Workers arrested on suspicion of sabotaging German warships, Bild says
Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on February 3, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 3, 2026
Quick Summary
Two workers were arrested for allegedly sabotaging German warships in Hamburg, potentially causing significant damage if undetected.
Two Workers Arrested for Alleged Sabotage of German Warships
Details of the Sabotage Incident
BERLIN, Feb 3 (Reuters) - Two workers have been arrested on suspicion of sabotaging several German warships at Hamburg harbour in 2025, German tabloid Bild reported on Tuesday.
The accused, a 37-year-old Romanian and a 54-year-old Greek, reportedly tampered with the vessels by pouring steel pellets into an engine block, puncturing fresh-water lines, removing fuel tank caps, and disabling fuses in the onboard electronics, the report said.
Arrests and Investigations
The sabotage was discovered during pre-departure checks as one of the ships, the corvette "Emden", was preparing for its inaugural journey to the port city of Kiel.
Potential Implications
According to Bild, the prosecutor general's office stated the alleged activities could have led to significant damage if left undetected.
The two men were arrested in Hamburg and a village in Greece, with their residences in Hamburg, Romania, and Greece searched by authorities, the report added.
Neither the police nor Germany's defence ministry immediately responded to requests for comment.
Political Context
The report did not link the sabotage to Russia, which political leaders and military officials have accused of engaging in acts of sabotage, espionage, and hybrid warfare since Moscow launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The Kremlin has repeatedly denied such allegations, dismissing them as unsubstantiated.
(Reporting by Sabine Siebold; editing by Philippa Fletcher)
Key Takeaways
- •Two workers arrested for sabotaging German warships.
- •Incident occurred at Hamburg harbour in 2025.
- •Sabotage discovered during pre-departure checks.
- •Potential significant damage if undetected.
- •No immediate response from police or defense ministry.
Frequently Asked Questions about Workers arrested on suspicion of sabotaging German warships, Bild says
1What is an engine block?
An engine block is the main structure of an engine that houses the cylinders and other components. It is crucial for the engine's operation and performance.
2What are fresh-water lines?
Fresh-water lines are pipes that transport clean water to various parts of a vessel or building. They are essential for providing drinking water and other uses.
