33,000 refugees from Ukraine submit residence applications

Berlin has so far issued residence permits for 27,000 war refugees from Ukraine.

Another 6,000 applications have been submitted and are being processed, said State Secretary for the Interior Torsten Akmann (SPD) in the Interior Committee on Monday. There was a "certain backlog of applications" at the State Office for Immigration (LEA), but in the meantime stable structures had been created to process the online applications quickly. Berlin continues to be a preferred destination for Ukrainians fleeing Russia's attack. On (today's) Monday, 500 to 1000 people are expected.

No special threats to Berlin from the war

Akmann said that there were no special dangers for Berlin as a result of the war. There are no known plans for acts of terrorism or sabotage. However, disinformation campaigns, cyber attacks and attempts to influence demonstrations must still be expected. Similar activities by Russia had already taken place. However, an acute threat to cyber security from Russian hackers is currently not apparent. However, it is "likely that the conflict will continue to be accompanied by various forms of cyber attacks". So far, no incidents have been reported for the Berlin network.

Berlin police still active at railway stations

The Berlin police are still active at the railway stations and at the arrival centre in Tegel, mainly through prevention to protect women and children, Akmann said. So far, 97 tips about suspected cases of sexual offences and child protection have been examined by the State Criminal Police Office (LKA). The police had spoken to about 100 sexual offenders at risk of recidivism and almost 50 other suspects as a warning. Nine criminal proceedings were initiated in this context.

"Kiev working group" set up at the State Criminal Police Office

Since March, the State Criminal Police Office has had its own police working group called "AG Kiew" (Kiev Working Group), Akmann reported. 558 cases had been dealt with, including 138 anti-Russian acts and 71 anti-Ukrainian acts. According to earlier reports, most of the cases involved damage to property or hate speech. The police actively point out to the refugees the possibility of reporting war crimes committed by the Russian army.