German police arrest sabotage suspect with explosives near power plant
German police arrested a 48-year-old sabotage suspect carrying explosives near the Weisweiler power plant on Sept. 8, a day after several launch devices were discovered along nearby high-voltage power lines, Cologne police said.
The man, who was already wanted in connection with suspected sabotage of the power lines, was detained near the plant in western Germany on Tuesday morning and did not resist arrest.
Police found explosives on him, while a tent discovered in nearby vegetation contained additional explosive charges.
The previous day, investigators had found several launch devices near high-voltage lines close to the power plant. Police also discovered what they described as another claim of responsibility at one of the devices but declined to disclose its contents for operational reasons.
Flashes and explosions were heard near the power plant at around 9 p.m. on Sept. 7 as police searched the area, although investigators said they had not identified any resulting damage.
An arrest warrant for the suspect had previously been issued at the request of prosecutors in Cottbus.
Explosives specialists from North Rhine-Westphalia's criminal police are examining the devices, while investigators continue searching the area for further evidence and potentially undiscovered devices.
German authorities have recorded at least 165 suspected sabotage incidents since the beginning of 2026, as well as 747 incidents involving suspicious drones over military sites and critical infrastructure.
Germany has attributed at least one recent incident to Russia. German authorities accused Moscow of involvement after an explosive-laden drone was discovered near a Ukrainian aircraft in Leipzig.
Authorities have not publicly linked the suspect arrested near the Weisweiler power plant to Russia.