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A series of sabotage attacks in Germany, orchestrated by Russian handlers, has been uncovered by Der Spiegel. The saboteurs damaged over 270 vehicles across multiple regions, using construction foam to disable them and placing stickers depicting Economy Minister Robert Habeck on their windows. Initially mistaken for radical environmental activists, the perpetrators were later linked directly to Moscow. The operation aimed to stir up resentment against The Greens (Die Grünen), a pro-environment party that holds 117 seats in the current Bundestag, ahead of elections scheduled for Feb. 23.
On the night of Dec. 11, 2024, police in Schönefeld, which borders the southeastern districts of Berlin, stopped an Opel van that appeared suspicious. Inside were three young men carrying Serbian, Bosnian, and German IDs. They had no burglary tools, only construction materials — including window-sealing foam. Finding no immediate cause for arrest, the officers checked the young men’s documents and let them go.
Around the same time, 43 vehicles in the Alt-Schönefeld area were found to have been vandalized. Saboteurs filled exhaust pipes with construction foam and placed stickers on the cars. The stickers depicted a smiling Robert Habeck and bore the phrase “Be greener!” Initially interpreted as an act of radical climate activism, the stunt sparked public outrage and criticism of Habeck and The Greens.
The investigation revealed that the suspects had been recruited via messaging apps. They were given specific instructions on how to carry out the sabotage — using construction foam to disable vehicles and covering them with stickers proclaiming eco-themed slogans. They were promised €100 for each damaged car — and some payments had already been wired at the time of the attack.
As the investigation expanded, the authorities shared information on the suspects with law enforcement in other parts of Germany. Prosecutors confirmed that a criminal case for vandalism had been opened against four individuals. In the Ulm region alone, the estimated extent of the damage reached €6,000.
So far, none of the suspects have been arrested. Two have already left the country.