German police arrest power grid sabotage suspect Daniel V. near Weisweiler plant

Accidental discovery near Weisweiler

A multi-day manhunt across Germany concluded on Tuesday when two motorway police officers located 48-year-old Daniel V. hidden in undergrowth near the Weisweiler power station close to Aachen. The two patrol officers were not assigned to the active search operation but noticed unusually compressed grass along a dirt track near the A4 motorway. They followed the flattened tracks approximately 200 metres into the bushes and discovered a camouflaged tent positioned roughly 800 metres from the power plant. Search teams had previously surveyed the surrounding area using helicopters and drones, but the camouflage had prevented aerial detection. Frank Wißbaum, who directed the police operation from the Cologne police headquarters, praised the observation and investigative instincts of the two officers.

The two young colleagues did a really good job from a criminalistic point of view.

Arrest recorded on police bodycam

One of the two patrol officers activated his body camera as they closed in on the tent. According to the video recording, an officer drew his service pistol and ordered the suspect to lie flat on the ground. Daniel V. complied with all instructions without offering resistance and immediately confirmed to the officers that he was the wanted individual. Police experts quickly validated his identity at the scene, despite noting that the suspect had altered his physical appearance.

Officers secured additional explosive devices and launching equipment inside the tent before taking the suspect into custody. The arrest concluded a manhunt that mobilized up to 1,700 emergency and law enforcement personnel across multiple German states under a European arrest warrant.

Infrastructure attacks across three states

Investigators allege that Daniel V. carried out coordinated sabotage attempts targeting German energy infrastructure in North Rhine-Westphalia, Brandenburg, and Saxony. The suspect allegedly built homemade launching devices and rockets to propel conductive materials into high-voltage overhead power lines, aiming to trigger electrical short circuits and disrupt supply. Police also discovered further launching apparatus positioned in the terrain surrounding the Weisweiler plant.

The 48-year-old reportedly claimed responsibility for the infrastructure attacks in multiple letters of confession. In addition to the materials seized in North Rhine-Westphalia, authorities are examining suspected explosive and sabotage devices recovered in Saxony to establish their connection to the wider series.

Federal prosecutor reviews possible takeover

On Thursday, North Rhine-Westphalia Interior Minister Herbert Reul announced during a session of the state parliament in Düsseldorf that Germany's Federal Public Prosecutor is examining whether to take over the investigation. State authorities are evaluating whether Daniel V. acted entirely on his own initiative or operated with external support.

Even if there is currently no indication, questions naturally arise about accomplices or whether he was hired by foreign powers.

Reul stated that investigators have found no evidence of foreign state involvement, though the inquiry will continue to examine potential links and external backing. The suspect remains in detention while state and federal authorities analyze the recovered apparatus, digital evidence, and written claims.