The Hamburg Public Prosecutor’s Office reported the detention of two foreign nationals suspected of attempting to sabotage German Navy warships.
The detainees were a 37-year-old Romanian citizen and a 54-year-old Greek citizen. The arrests took place in Hamburg and in a village in Greece. Searches were carried out at their places of residence in Hamburg, Romania and Greece.
According to investigators, in 2025, the suspects, while working at a shipyard in the port of Hamburg where ships for the German Navy were being repaired and completed, committed several acts of sabotage. In particular, they:
poured more than 20 kg of steel shot into the engine block of one of the ships;
pierced the freshwater system pipes;
removed the fuel tank caps;
disconnected the protective switches and fuses in the electronic system.
The sabotage was directed at several corvettes intended for the German navy. The damage was discovered during pre-voyage inspections, including during preparations for the corvette Emden’s voyage from Hamburg to Kiel.
The public prosecutor’s office has classified the actions as attempted sabotage of defence facilities. The suspects’ motives have not yet been officially disclosed, and the investigation is ongoing.
Both detainees are currently in custody. Details about possible clients or links to foreign intelligence services have not been disclosed.