Weapons smuggling: Accused rejects allegations

Created: 07/28/2022, 14:04

A prosecutor stands in front of a stack of court documents.

© Christian Charisius/dpa/symbol image

The trial of a suspected arms smuggler at the Berlin Regional Court has begun.

The 47-year-old is said to have bought a landmine that can be used against people, three hand grenades, a submachine gun with ammunition and a silencer, and a revolver and brought it to Germany.

The charges include violating the War Weapons Control Act.

Berlin – The defense attorney said at the beginning of the trial on Thursday that his client firmly rejected the allegations.

The public prosecutor assumes that the illegal weapons have been stored in an apartment in Berlin-Steglitz since January 20, 2021 at the latest - packed in a trolley case.

According to the indictment, the 47-year-old is said to have caused an acquaintance to keep the suitcase.

Both men knew they "did not have the necessary permits and permits to acquire, handle and possess these items."

The defendant explained that the weapons were not owned by him but by an acquaintance who lived in Steglitz.

"I gave him a suitcase so he could pack his tools," says the 47-year-old from the construction industry.

Once the acquaintance showed a suitcase with weapons.

"I said he should throw the stuff away or go to the police." There were no talks about a possible sale of the weapons.

The man may have used the suitcase given to him for the weapons.

The suitcase was a chance find, it was said on the sidelines of the negotiation.

Police discovered the weapons when the suspect's acquaintance was searched on another suspicion.

The resident was provisionally arrested at the time and has since been sentenced to a suspended sentence.

In his proceedings he is said to have burdened the now accused considerably.

The trial will resume on August 4th.

dpa