Berlin court trial begins for restaurant extortion and arson plot

Three men are facing trial at the Landgericht Berlin for an extortion plot targeting a restaurant owner in Berlin-Neukölln. Prosecutors allege the defendants, aged 21, 21, and 35, worked with accomplices to demand up to 200,000 euros through threats of significant violence.

The indictment follows a series of attacks in January 2025. After the restaurant owner refused an initial demand for 50,000 euros, four shots were fired at the establishment and three Molotov cocktails were thrown into the premises, causing property damage.

The 35-year-old defendant is accused of playing a leading role in the group and issuing instructions for the crimes. The defendants face charges including attempted aggravated robbery, arson, property damage, and weapons law violations.