Nineteen-year-old detained after shootings and extortion targeting German businesses
Bielefeld police announced an arrest on 23 October in an investigation into shootings and extortion against businesses. A 19-year-old from Steinhagen had been arrested the previous day and placed in pretrial detention.
According to police, the series began on 30 September with threats against a jeweller in Bielefeld. A large demand for money was followed by shots at his premises. Other incidents followed over the next three weeks, mostly targeting Turkish business owners. Alongside buildings in Bielefeld, two locations in Gütersloh and Kirchlengern were targeted.
A specialist police team entered the suspect’s home early on 22 October. Police suspect him of involvement in several incidents in the series. The Bielefeld court formally notified him that day of the warrant obtained before his arrest. The allegations concern aggravated violent extortion, property damage and firearms offences.
Evidence seized during the home search is being examined. Police formed a dedicated investigation team after the first shooting and subsequently expanded it. Additional patrols were also deployed. The 23 October statement said enquiries into the background of the attacks and possible accomplices were continuing.
