Two shipyard employees have been detained on suspicion of deliberately damaging several German naval vessels at the harbour of Hamburg.
A 37-year-old Romanian national and a 54-year-old Greek national are accused of interfering with the ships’ mechanical and onboard systems.
Investigators say they allegedly poured steel pellets into an engine, pierced fresh-water pipes, removed fuel tank caps, and tampered with electrical fuses.
The suspected sabotage came to light during routine inspections before departure, as the German corvette Emden was preparing for its first voyage to Kiel.
Prosecutors warned that the actions might have caused serious damage had they not been discovered in time.
Authorities arrested one suspect in Hamburg and the other in Greece. Police also searched properties connected to the pair in Hamburg as well as in Romania and Greece.
Law enforcement officials and Germany’s defence ministry did not immediately comment on the arrests.
Investigations into the case are ongoing. No official motive has been confirmed.
