Construction foam attack on cars
During the crimes, the exhaust tailpipes of cars were foamed with construction foam, and the action was also pointed out with stickers. The suspicion is directed against Russian influence in the context of the upcoming federal election.
As the "Spiegel" reports, the incidents occurred in Baden-Württemberg, Berlin, Brandenburg and Bavaria. The perpetrators clogged exhaust pipes with construction foam and attached stickers with the inscription "Be greener!" and the picture of Federal Minister of Economics Robert Habeck to the vehicles. Initial suspicions pointed to an action by radical climate activists. Investigations, however, led to a different thesis.
First suspects and state of investigation
In December 2024, a police patrol in Schönefeld, Brandenburg, stopped a van with three occupants from Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Germany. There were several cartridges of construction foam in her vehicle. Despite this find, the men were initially allowed to continue. Shortly afterwards, numerous car owners near the control reported similar damage to their vehicles.
After further investigations, security authorities searched apartments in Ulm and seized evidence, including cell phones, laptops and cartridges with construction foam. One of the accused persons stated that he had been recruited by a Russian via the messenger service "Viber". The perpetrators are said to have been promised a reward of 100 euros for each damaged vehicle, which they were supposed to prove by taking photos of the manipulated vehicles. Part of the money has already been paid out.
Suspected political background
According to security circles, the action was a targeted campaign intended to stir up resentment against the Greens and their chancellor candidate Habeck in the Bundestag election campaign. The Greens have repeatedly spoken out in favor of arms deliveries to Ukraine and are considered critics of the Russian government. The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution had already warned in advance of possible influence on the Bundestag election on February 23, 2025.
The investigations into the background and possible other participants are ongoing. The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland is currently examining the extent to which there is intelligence control by Russian actors. The aim is to determine further possible connections between the perpetrators and Russian clients and to determine a possible influence on public opinion through targeted disinformation campaigns.
Result
In Germany, car exhaust pipes were clogged with construction foam. The action, which took place in several federal states, is suspected to be a targeted campaign against the Greens in the Bundestag election campaign. The first suspects have been stopped in Brandenburg, and there are indications of Russian influence. The investigations are ongoing to clarify possible connections to Russian clients. The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland is examining intelligence service control. The aim is to influence public opinion and stir up resentment.