He sets cars on fire and is attributed to the left-wing scene. Investigators were after him for weeks, observing him with a hidden camera. Caught him in the act. Nevertheless, the judges let him go in 2011, there was only a suspended sentence (22 months).
by Anne Losensky
More than ten years later, Thomas K. (39) is back in court. Again, it’s about torched cars.
District Court, Room 504. Two charges are read out. He is said to have struck in three nights. Always in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg. On March 13, 2021 on Ritterstrasse. On October 26, 2021 on the Planufer, on Dresdener Straße and Böckhstraße. On November 21, 2021 at Segitzdamm.
Two cars burned out (1 Series BMW, VW T5). Three cars were damaged by the fires (Opel Astra, VW Eos, VW T6). The arson attack failed on four cars (Tesla Model 3, VW ID.3, Volvo V90, Audi A7).
A construction crane on Ritterstraße in Kreuzberg also remained undamaged: the self-made fire bomb with incense sticks as a timer failed due to storm and rain.
The indictment states that the defendant’s occupation was sales assistance. In 2011, after six months in custody, he suddenly confessed. This earned him a suspended sentence.
However, that is why his “soli group” from the left-wing scene turns away from him. A few months after the verdict, he was again under suspicion (cars and two motorcycles). Was arrested but the evidence was insufficient.
Also read: Berlin-wide car fire series – at least 18 vehicles on fire
Now, with the relevant criminal record in hand, he is again threatened with imprisonment – but this time in jail. Discussions are held behind closed doors for an hour as to whether there should be a deal or not.
Continued: May 13th. Verdict: June 8th.
