Berlin prosecutor targets gun crime with 'telum' unit

Berlin's new public prosecutor Ingrid Jaeger is prioritizing tackling gun crime, announcing the creation of a specialized investigative group called 'Telum' (Latin for 'weapon').

Telum unit aims to prevent gun violence in berlin streets

Jaeger stressed that a peaceful and orderly coexistence in the city depends on ensuring people can walk the streets without fear of gunshots.

The Telum unit will focus on the recent surge in shootings targeting individuals in criminal circles, often linked to extortion, turf wars and conflicts within organized crime.

Jaeger's office has reallocated staff to combat this issue, following the police's setup of the 'Ferrum' unit within the State Criminal Police Office.

While the prosecutor's office typically acts after crimes are committed, Jaeger emphasized the need for legal experts to act when organized crime threatens democratic order.

A recent high-profile case saw members of a well-known Arab family network sentenced to prison for arson attacks on cars belonging to prison staff.

Jaeger hailed the verdict as a crucial message that violence and threats will not be tolerated in preventing people from doing their jobs.

She acknowledged that prosecutors, particularly in organized crime cases, must develop a 'high tolerance for frustration' due to the complex and often lengthy process of asset confiscation.

However, Jaeger highlighted Berlin's 'tremendous progress' in recovering criminal assets, with total revenues of 21.8 million euros in 2025.