Edith Hejberg
Though not in active use at the time, the pipelines were still pressurized with gas, which leaked dramatically into the Baltic Sea.
Italian authorities have apprehended a Ukrainian national in connection with the 2022 sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines, German prosecutors confirmed.
The suspect, known only as Serhii K., is believed to have played a key role in the planning and execution of the underwater attacks that shook global energy markets.
Underwater Explosions Disrupted Major Russian Gas Routes
The Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines, vital links for Russian gas to Europe, were severely damaged in September 2022 when underwater explosions ruptured both conduits near the Danish island of Bornholm.
Though not in active use at the time, the pipelines were still pressurized with gas, which leaked dramatically into the Baltic Sea.
A Mystery That Captivated the World
The blasts sparked a major international investigation and fueled widespread speculation.
With global energy supplies already under strain from the war in Ukraine, the attack raised fears about critical infrastructure security and further deepened tensions between Russia and the West.
German Prosecutors Detail Suspect’s Alleged Role
According to prosecutors, Serhii K. was part of a group directly involved in placing the explosives that damaged both pipelines.
Though few details have been released, his arrest marks a significant breakthrough in a case that has remained shrouded in mystery for nearly three years.
Cross-Border Coordination Brings Arrest in Italy
Serhii K. was detained by Italian police following cooperation with German authorities. He is expected to be extradited to Germany, where he will appear before a judge.
The arrest underscores the transnational scope of the investigation and the serious nature of the charges.
Attacks Heightened Political Tensions Across Europe
The Nord Stream explosions became a flashpoint in already strained East-West relations.
Though various theories circulated about who was behind the sabotage, no one had been formally charged until now. This arrest may help shed light on one of Europe’s most perplexing acts of sabotage in recent memory.
