On 20 February 2025, German and Swedish law enforcement authorities supported by Europol conducted searches in the residences of three persons in Hamburg (Germany) and Sweden. The suspects are believed to be linked to a murder case from 1996 investigated by the German Police Inspectorate Cloppenburg/Vechta .

The cold case revolves around a brutal murder that occurred in Dümmerlohausen, Germany, on 8 August 1996. The victim, a male national from the former Yugoslavia residing in Hamburg at the time, was involved in criminal circles and known to law enforcement for his involvement in burglaries in northern Germany. Local hunters had found him shot dead next to a stolen red vehicle.

New evidence, new leads and a renewed appeal to the public

Following an intense media offensive and a call for information from the public in summer 2024, German investigators received new evidence, allowing them to follow new leads. Europol facilitated the contact between the German authorities and Dutch, Serbian and Swedish law enforcement, which ultimately led to the identification of three persons with possible ties to the case. On 20 February 2025, German and Swedish police, supported by special forces, searched three persons’ residences, collecting evidence destined to be analysed in Germany. Europol provided remote operational support during the searches, allowing for real-time cross checks of information. 

At this point in time, no further information about the three suspects can be disclosed. For more insight into the case, the Oldenburg Police Department hosts a dedicated webpage including a short film. Authorities are urging anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward.

Investigators in this murder case also accept any information via phone or via email, the contact details can be found on the dedicated webpage. In addition, witnesses can contact the police anonymously via a tip portal, which also allows the upload of files and images.