Germany has announced a one-million-euro reward for information leading to the arrest of suspected far-left militants linked to a major arson attack that plunged large parts of Berlin into darkness earlier this month.

The Interior Minister, Alexander Dobrindt, disclosed the decision on Tuesday, describing the blackout as a serious threat to national security and public safety.

Akahi News learnt that the electricity outage affected roughly 45,000 homes and about 2,200 businesses in the southwest of the German capital, leaving residents without power for almost a week during the peak of winter.

Blackout Disrupts Thousands of Homes and Businesses

Authorities said the prolonged outage caused significant disruption to households, hospitals, small businesses, and essential services, raising concerns about the vulnerability of critical infrastructure in Europe’s largest economy.

Residents were forced to rely on emergency lighting, alternative heating sources, and temporary business closures as engineers worked to restore power.

Security agencies believe the blackout was deliberately caused by an arson attack on electricity infrastructure.

Police Hunt Far-Left ‘Vulkangruppe’

German police are currently searching for members of a far-left group known as “Vulkangruppe” (Volcano Group), which has claimed responsibility for the attack in several online statements.

The country’s domestic intelligence agency, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), has described the group’s messages as credible.

According to BfV records, the group has been active since 2011 and is suspected to have carried out several arson and sabotage operations in and around Berlin.

Akahi News gathered that the group has also claimed responsibility for two earlier sabotage attacks targeting the Tesla electric vehicle factory located on the outskirts of Berlin.

Government Vows Tough Response

Interior Minister Dobrindt vowed that the German government would “strike back” against extremist violence and sabotage.

“I think it’s appropriate to underscore the seriousness of the situation with a reward of this magnitude,” he said.

Dobrindt, a conservative ally of Chancellor Friedrich Merz, said the government would significantly strengthen efforts to combat left-wing extremism.

He also urged expanded police powers, including wider use of facial recognition technology and enhanced digital data collection capabilities, to improve crime prevention and intelligence gathering.

Publicity Campaign to Drive Tips

Authorities plan to roll out a nationwide publicity campaign to encourage members of the public to provide useful tips.

The campaign will include the distribution of leaflets and the placement of posters across Berlin’s subway system and other public spaces, highlighting the reward and encouraging confidential reporting.

Security officials believe public cooperation could play a decisive role in identifying suspects and dismantling extremist networks.

Akahi News gathered that German authorities are increasingly worried about the growing sophistication of extremist sabotage targeting critical infrastructure, including power supply networks, transport systems, and industrial facilities.

Broader Security Implications

Analysts warn that attacks on infrastructure pose serious risks not only to economic stability but also to public safety, especially during extreme weather conditions.

The Berlin blackout has reignited debates across Europe about the protection of energy facilities, cybersecurity preparedness, and intelligence coordination.

Akahi News learnt that the German government is expected to review existing security frameworks and emergency response mechanisms in light of the incident.

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
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