Berlin authorities have deployed specialized police units to combat a sharp rise in gun violence, detaining more than 50 suspects and issuing 68 arrest warrants as of Aug. 13 following a series of shootings across the capital.
The task force 'Ferrum,' established nine months ago, has opened over 600 investigations and inspected more than 3,800 vehicles and 866 businesses. A companion prosecutorial team, 'Telum,' has brought charges in 11 cases. Recent incidents include the fatal shooting of a Lebanese man at Zoo Station on Aug. 10 and a drive-by attack on a Pankow bar on Aug. 13.
Gun-related crimes in Berlin rose 68 percent in 2025 from the prior year, with 62 firearm offenses already recorded by early August 2026. Officials say many seized weapons originate from illegal factories in Turkey and the Czech Republic.