Arrest Made in Nord Stream Sabotage Investigation: Ukrainian National Detained in Italy

BERLIN — On Thursday, German prosecutors revealed the arrest of a Ukrainian individual suspected of playing a key role in the 2022 sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines. The suspect, identified as Serhii K., was apprehended overnight in Rimini, Italy, by local police acting on a European arrest warrant.

Serhii K. is accused of being one of the organizers behind the operation that planted explosives on the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines near the Danish island of Bornholm in September 2022. The resulting blasts led to significant gas leaks and inflicted severe damage on both pipelines, disrupting a vital energy connection between Russia and Europe.

Investigators believe that the group responsible for the sabotage utilized a yacht rented from the German port of Rostock under false identities to transport the explosives to the attack site. Subsequent examinations revealed traces of the military-grade explosive octogen on board the vessel.

German authorities have stated that Serhii K. is “urgently suspected” of coordinating the attack in collaboration with others. He faces serious charges, including causing an explosion, committing anti-constitutional sabotage, and destroying infrastructure.

This arrest represents a significant development in a complex investigation that has spanned multiple countries. Earlier this year, Sweden and Denmark concluded their investigations without naming any suspects, while Germany continued its inquiries, concentrating on a small team of divers and support personnel believed to have executed the operation. Reports from Western officials have suggested potential connections to Ukrainian networks, although Kyiv has consistently denied any involvement in the incident.

Following his arrest, Serhii K. is expected to be transferred to Germany, where he will appear before a federal judge in Karlsruhe.