Germany has announced a €1 million ($1.2 million) reward for information leading to the arrest of suspected far-left militants behind a major arson attack that triggered a prolonged power outage in Berlin, Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said Tuesday.
The early January attack knocked out electricity to about 45,000 homes and more than 2,200 businesses in southwest Berlin for nearly a week during winter.
Authorities are hunting members of the far-left group Vulkangruppe (Volcano Group), which claimed responsibility in online statements that officials have described as credible.
Germany’s domestic intelligence agency, the BfV, said the group has been active since 2011 and is suspected of carrying out several arson attacks in and around Berlin, including sabotage targeting Tesla’s factory near the capital.
Dobrindt vowed a tough response, announcing a public awareness campaign across Berlin’s subway system to solicit tips, while also pushing for expanded police powers, including facial recognition and broader digital surveillance, to combat left-wing extremism.
