These incidents appear to be part of a coordinated attack rather than random acts of vandalism, with investigators identifying 123 vandalism offenses in Ulm alone.
The perpetrators were promised 100 euros for each damaged vehicle, with several thousand euros reportedly paid out for their actions.
Political figures, including CDU politician Roderich Kiesewetter, have warned of increasing influence operations from Russia, China, and Iran ahead of the upcoming elections.
Security agencies have raised alarms about disinformation campaigns aimed at undermining the legitimacy of the electoral process and discrediting candidates.
The suspects, who hold nationalities from Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Germany, and Bosnia, are believed to have been recruited online and are currently under investigation.
One suspect claimed that a Russian individual incited them to carry out the attacks, providing detailed instructions via the messaging service Viber.
Reports indicate that several thousand euros have already been paid to the suspects involved in the sabotage.
The seriousness of the situation has significant implications for public safety and international relations, particularly in the context of upcoming elections.
A series of sabotage acts targeting over 270 vehicles across several German states, including Baden-Württemberg, Berlin, Brandenburg, and Bavaria, is suspected to be linked to a Russian intelligence agency.
Despite ongoing investigations, an Interior Ministry spokesman noted that there is currently no concrete evidence directly linking these acts to Russian operatives.
Initially, climate activists were suspected of being responsible for the sabotage, as stickers with a slogan promoting environmentalism were found at the scene.
In response to these incidents, Brantner emphasized the need for improved protection of critical infrastructure and proposed a centralized security command and a joint European intelligence agency.
