German Authorities Investigate Alleged Russian-Linked Auto Sabotage Ahead of Federal Election

Officials suspect a series of car vandalism incidents involving foam-filled exhausts may be part of a Kremlin-backed effort to disrupt Germany's 2025 election.

German police are investigating 123 cases of vehicle sabotage involving foam-filled exhaust pipes, with evidence suggesting Russian involvement.
Four suspects, aged 17 to 29 and of various nationalities, are under investigation for allegedly receiving payments from Russian sources to carry out the acts.
Papers with slogans pointing to the Green Party were found at some crime scenes, potentially indicating an attempt to frame climate activists.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has stated that Russian influence operations, including sabotage, are a known tactic and cannot be ruled out in this case.
Germany's Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution previously warned of potential foreign interference targeting the 2025 Bundestag election.