The German Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution has issued a stark warning regarding a growing threat of left-wing extremist sabotage targeting critical infrastructure and businesses, escalating the scale of damage previously estimated. A newly released analysis, reported by “Bild am Sonntag”, reveals annual losses now reach “double-digit millions of euros” a significant increase from the previously stated “several million euros.
The shift in assessment follows a recent arson attack on a power grid in southwestern Berlin on January 3rd, which severed electricity supply to 45,000 households and 2,200 businesses for several days. Authorities suspect the “Vulkangruppe” (Volcano Group) was responsible and the Verfassungsschutz analysis suggests this designation may be a “label” used by a network of disparate, ideologically aligned cells operating within the violent anarchist spectrum. The report hypothesizes the existence of a broader network utilizing the “Vulkangruppe” name to obscure its structure and activities.
The severity of the situation is highlighted by the rapidly increasing financial impact. The escalating attacks raise serious questions about the effectiveness of current preventative measures and the adequacy of resources allocated to protecting critical infrastructure. While the focus has been on identifying and disrupting individual cells, the Verfassungsschutz believes that the prevalence of the “Vulkangruppe” moniker indicates a more complex and interconnected movement than previously understood.
Beyond the Berlin attack, the office is also monitoring a separate left-wing extremist group, “Kommando Angry Birds” which claimed responsibility for disrupting a vital railway line between Düsseldorf and Duisburg in July 2025. This incident – and the brazenness of the declaration – underscores the group’s apparent confidence and preparedness for carrying out attacks on essential transportation networks.
The intelligence agency’s findings are likely to fuel political debate in Germany regarding the definition and response to left-wing extremism. Critics are already questioning whether government agencies have underestimated the long-term threat and if existing counter-terrorism strategies are appropriately focused. The increased level of damage signifies a significant escalation in the tactics employed, prompting urgent calls for a reassessment of security protocols and enhanced intelligence gathering to address this evolving and significant domestic security challenge. The increasing sophistication and financial impact of these attacks pose a tangible threat to the stability and economic well-being of Germany.
