Two workers arrested for sabotaging German navy warships

Two port workers, a 37-year-old Romanian national and a 54-year-old Greek national, were arrested on February 3, 2026, on suspicion of attempting to sabotage several German Navy warships at the Port of Hamburg in 2025. The suspects, who were employed at the port and had access to the vessels under construction or maintenance at shipyards such as Blohm + Voss, allegedly carried out targeted acts of sabotage on corvettes intended for the Deutsche Marine (German Navy). These included ships like the K130-class corvettes “Köln” and “Emden.” Authorities from Germany, Greece, and Romania coordinated the arrests, with one suspect detained in Hamburg and the other in northern Greece, supported by the EU agency Eurojust. Searches were conducted at properties in all three countries as part of the ongoing investigation.

The alleged sabotage methods were highly destructive and designed to cause severe mechanical failure or operational delays. Prosecutors accuse the pair of dumping more than 20 kilograms (about 44 pounds) of abrasive gravel or steel pellets into the engine block of at least one vessel, which could have led to catastrophic engine damage if undetected. Additional acts reportedly included puncturing freshwater supply lines, removing fuel tank caps to allow contamination or leakage, and deactivating critical electronic safety switches and fuses in the onboard systems. These interventions were discovered during routine pre-departure inspections and checks in 2025, preventing potential major harm to the ships and averting risks to naval readiness.

The incidents occurred amid heightened concerns over sabotage targeting European defense infrastructure since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, raising questions about possible foreign involvement or motives, though German authorities have not publicly confirmed any specific links or espionage angle at this stage. The charges involve attempted sabotage of defense materiel, a serious offense under German law that could threaten national security and the Bundeswehr’s operational capabilities. The Hamburg public prosecutor’s office emphasized that the acts, if successful, might have significantly impaired the “combat effectiveness” of the affected warships.Investigations remain ongoing, with no final verdicts or full details on motives released yet. The arrests highlight vulnerabilities in shipyard security for military projects, even within NATO-allied nations, and underscore the importance of rigorous inspections for high-value naval assets. The German Navy and shipbuilding firms have cooperated fully with authorities, and the timely detection likely mitigated what could have been costly repairs or deployment delays for the fleet.

Historical Significance

Named after the historic city of Emden and drawing from a lineage of previous vessels bearing the same name, this corvette pays homage to Germany’s naval heritage. Past Emden ships have played roles in significant conflicts, including World War I and II, symbolizing resilience and strategic importance. The choice of name reflects a blend of tradition and innovation, connecting the new vessel to a storied past while equipping it for contemporary missions. This historical nod not only boosts morale among sailors but also serves as a reminder of the Navy’s enduring legacy in protecting national interests.

Technical Specifications

The Emden corvette boasts advanced features tailored for multi-role operations, including anti-submarine warfare, surface combat, and reconnaissance. Measuring approximately 89 meters in length with a displacement of around 1,840 tons, it is equipped with state-of-the-art radar systems, missile launchers, and a helicopter landing pad for enhanced versatility. Powered by diesel engines and gas turbines, the vessel can achieve speeds up to 26 knots, making it agile for both coastal and open-sea deployments. These specifications position the Emden as a key asset in NATO operations and joint international exercises.