Germany’s rail network has been hit by a rising wave of criminal activity, with around 2,200 cases of sabotage, arson, dangerous interference with rail operations and metal theft recorded since the start of 2026, according to a report by Bild citing an internal Deutsche Bahn document.
The reported figure marks a 7% increase compared with the same period last year, highlighting mounting security concerns for one of Europe’s busiest rail systems, News.Az reports, citing Reuters.
The alleged attacks have had a significant impact on passengers, contributing to more than 220,000 minutes of train delays during the first half of the year, the report said.
Deutsche Bahn declined to comment on the reported internal figures.
The issue came back into focus overnight after a fire damaged a signal control box on the Hamburg–Cuxhaven railway line in northern Germany. Police said the blaze affected signalling equipment, disrupting rail operations while authorities investigate the incident.
Germany’s railway infrastructure has repeatedly been disrupted in recent years by cable theft, vandalism and suspected acts of sabotage, adding further strain to a network already struggling with delays, ageing infrastructure and heavy passenger demand.
The latest reported rise in railway-related crime is likely to intensify pressure on German authorities and Deutsche Bahn to strengthen security measures and improve the resilience of the country’s transport infrastructure.