An unusual discovery near critical energy infrastructure prompted a major police operation in Grevenbroich, Germany. Just 10 to 15 meters from a high-voltage transmission tower, a professional pyrotechnic “ball bomb” of category F4—wrapped in adhesive tape—was found.
Specialists from the regional criminal police neutralized the device. Investigators are now working to determine who placed it at the site and for what purpose. The case has since been handed over to state protection authorities due to its proximity to vital energy infrastructure.
Security Guard at RWE Uncovers Suspicious Device
The discovery occurred on Wednesday, September 23 at around 15:30 in the vicinity of the decommissioned Frimmersdorf coal complex.
The suspicious item was spotted in the undergrowth by security staff working for energy company RWE.
Police officers responding to the scene secured the area and called in explosive ordnance experts.
Experts identified the object as a professional-grade pyrotechnic of category F4. Such devices are typically used in large, organized fireworks and can only be handled by individuals with specialized qualifications.
Device Wrapped in Tape
Investigators noted the unusual construction of the device.
According to the police, the pyrotechnic was about the size of a handball and had been wrapped in silver duct tape.
The device was defused and secured for further analysis by specialists.
Police emphasized one important point: even if the device had exploded, experts believe it would not have damaged the power line from its location.
The transmission line on the tower remained live, even though the nearby Frimmersdorf power plant is no longer in operation.
In September, Germany dealt with an even more serious incident at an energy facility. As previously reported by Aktualizované.sk, attempts to cause a widespread power outage were made at the Jänschwalde power plant.
No Ignition Mechanism Found
The current findings weaken the likelihood that someone was preparing an imminent attack on the power lines.
Police did not find any ignition mechanism and have no evidence that an attempt was made to activate the device.
It is also unclear how long the item had been lying in the bushes.
However, investigators do not believe the device was a remnant from a typical New Year’s fireworks display. Its placement and proximity to energy infrastructure have prompted a more thorough examination.
Case Taken Over by State Protection
The investigation advanced further on Thursday.
Because the device was found near critical infrastructure, state protection authorities in Düsseldorf have assumed control of the case.
Experts are expected to examine the pyrotechnic for DNA traces and fingerprints, among other evidence.
The goal is to identify who placed the device at the site and whether its placement was linked to a planned criminal act.
German police have recently dealt with several incidents involving energy facilities. Aktualizované.sk previously reported that German investigators had been searching for a man suspected of multiple attempts to sabotage the electricity grid.
No Link to Previous Sabotage Cases Found So Far
This series of September attacks has led to speculation about whether the latest find may be connected to earlier sabotage of the power grid.
So far, police have not confirmed any such connection.
According to police statements, the device found at Frimmersdorf is not comparable to prior incidents, and there is currently no evidence that the same individual or group is responsible.
No political motive has been established either.
Investigators Seek Clues to the Device’s Origin
The key question remains the origin of the pyrotechnic device.
Police have called on anyone who noticed suspicious people or vehicles near the power plant or high-voltage lines to contact investigators.
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Police are treating the discovery seriously, mainly due to its location near energy infrastructure. Based on current expert assessments, however, the professional pyrotechnic device itself did not pose a threat to the tower at the given site.
Whether this was a case of attempted sabotage, intimidation, illegally disposed pyrotechnics, or another motive entirely remains unknown. Answers may emerge from forensic examinations and identifying the person responsible for leaving the device near the transmission line.
This article was translated from the original Slovak version with the assistance of AI.
