Arrests on A6 Autobahn traffic stop for suspected espionage aimed at sabotage

During a traffic stop on April 12, 2026, at approximately 21:30 CET on the A6 Autobahn near Neuendettelsau, German police arrested two men—a 43-year-old Ukrainian and a 45-year-old Latvian—on suspicion of espionage activities aimed at sabotage. The suspects were found with forged IDs, surveillance equipment including cameras and a drone, GPS trackers, radio devices, multiple mobile phones, and SIM cards. The investigation is led by the Bavarian State Criminal Police Office and coordinated with the Munich General Prosecutor's Office and the Bavarian Central Office to Combat Extremism and Terrorism. Both men, lacking permanent residence in Germany, are currently in investigative custody under court-issued warrants. Authorities suspect they acted on behalf of an external entity operating outside Germany. Due to ongoing investigations, further details remain confidential, and the presumption of innocence applies.