Federal prosecutors in Germany have joined the European investigation into the suspected sabotage of the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines. The damage to the pipelines is believed to have been caused by explosions. A spokesman for the federal prosecutor’s office said an investigation is underway “for unknown persons” on suspicion of “deliberately causing an explosion” and “sabotage” in connection with the leaks.
The German federal prosecutor’s office usually only opens investigations in cases where national security is at stake, such as terrorist attacks. According to the prosecutors, their involvement in the case is justified by the fact that a “violent attack on the energy supply could affect the external and internal security” of the country.
German prosecutors said there was “sufficient evidence” that Nord Stream 1 and 2 were “deliberately damaged with at least two explosions”. The investigation is mainly focused on “identifying the perpetrator or perpetrators and the possible motive”. The investigation comes on top of cases opened by the German Federal Police and the Federal Investigation Office.
Evidence
Swedish authorities were strengthened earlier this week in their suspicions that the spills were caused intentionally. Explosions last week in the Swedish and Danish zone of the Baltic Sea caused extensive damage to the gas pipelines. Evidence has been collected at the sites and is now being analysed.
Both Moscow and Washington have denied responsibility for the leaks, which were discovered in late September.