Suspected Gang Faces Court Over Large-Scale Cigarette Thefts from Moving Freight Trains

The main suspect in an extensive series of cigarette thefts from freight trains is currently on trial at the Berlin Regional Court, accused of orchestrating multiple robberies involving millions of stolen cigarettes. Alongside him stands a 32-year-old alleged accomplice, both remaining silent at the opening of proceedings.

Prosecutors have charged the 48-year-old and his co-defendant with aggravated gang theft and tax evasion. According to the charges, the group targeted freight trains transporting cigarettes from Poland, through Germany, and onwards to the Netherlands between 2020 and 2024. The thefts were carried out in various locations, including the route from Frankfurt (Oder) to Berlin and in the Hanover area. Investigators allege that the suspects and their associates, some of whom are being prosecuted separately, identified optimal times and locations to strike, often cutting into containers--sometimes while the trains were still in motion.

Authorities estimate that the group stole more than three million cigarettes in total. The containers reportedly contained high-value, original-packaged cigarettes intended for the Western European market and transported under suspension of excise duty. The financial impact of these crimes is significant, with a tax loss calculated at approximately 593,000 euros and additional economic damages of around 373,000 euros.

The method employed by the perpetrators was systematic. The group allegedly used cutting tools to create openings in the ends of shipping containers, allowing them to access and remove the cargo. The stolen cigarettes were then loaded into waiting transport vehicles and primarily delivered to a designated recipient within the organization for further distribution.

Investigations into these thefts began in September 2022 and involved cooperation between German authorities and their counterparts in the Netherlands and Romania, as well as Europol. This cross-border collaboration was key to uncovering the scale of the operation and identifying suspects.

A previous trial relating to the same criminal network resulted in five men being sentenced to prison terms of up to five years and ten months in December 2025. These convictions are not yet final, as the verdicts are still subject to appeal.

The alleged leader of the group, who had been wanted under a European arrest warrant since November 2024, was apprehended in Romania on 22 December 2025 and subsequently extradited to Germany in January. The current proceedings are scheduled to continue over 14 additional court dates, with hearings planned through 11 September. The case remains ongoing as the court examines the evidence and hears testimony.