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BERLIN – Approximately 300 police officers launched a major operation in Berlin on Monday, targeting individuals and groups involved in firearm-related criminality. The operation included a high-profile raid on a clubhouse belonging to the Hells Angels motorcycle club in the Berlin-Biesdorf district.
Operation Targeting Firearm Crime
Police spokesperson Florian Nath confirmed that the operation is part of an ongoing effort to combat the rise of gun violence in the German capital. "Everything here revolves around firearm criminality," Nath stated in a video release. Authorities executed search warrants at ten different locations, including the Hells Angels facility and various private residences, one of which is located in the neighboring state of Brandenburg.
The operation is being led by the specialized police unit "Ferrum," which was established by the State Office of Criminal Investigation (LKA) in November 2025. The unit, which consists of approximately 110 officers, was initially intended to operate for only a few months but has been extended due to the persistent and high levels of gun violence in Berlin.
High Impact of the ‘Ferrum’ Unit
Since its inception, the "Ferrum" unit has initiated over 720 investigative proceedings. According to police data as of October 23, nearly 500 of these cases are directly or indirectly linked to firearm criminality. The unit’s primary focus includes investigating extortion cases and dismantling criminal structures. Authorities noted that these targeted measures have significantly increased the pressure on criminal actors, leading to the identification and incarceration of multiple suspects.
Escalating Gun Violence in the Capital
The urgency of these police actions is underscored by recent crime statistics. In the first half of 2026 alone, Berlin police registered a total of 585 offenses involving the use of firearms. This figure includes 324 cases of threats and 261 instances of actual gunfire. The specialized "Ferrum" unit continues to receive support from the Berlin police’s special task force (SEK) and federal police special forces during large-scale operations like the one conducted on Monday.
Source: PZ-news
