In Germany, a former Cold War bunker in Traben-Trarbach, once utilized by the German military, has been at the center of controversy recently. This bunker, known as Cyberbunker, was repurposed to serve as a hub for illegal activities on the dark web. The underground facility spanning 5,500 square meters gained attention after being featured in a Netflix documentary.
Authorities in the German Federal State of Rhineland-Palatinate have been investigating Cyberbunker, where hackers carried out an estimated 250,000 crimes including drug trafficking, money counterfeiting, and cyber attacks. The bunker was known in the hacker community for providing hosting services for websites like The Pirate Bay and Wikileaks.
In September 2019, a major operation involving 650 law enforcement officers was carried out to seize servers and documents from Cyberbunker. Subsequently, operators of Cyberbunker faced legal consequences, receiving sentences ranging from probation to more than five years in prison.
The expansive Cyberbunker complex, spread over 13 hectares, comprises a multi-level underground bunker and two above-ground structures in need of significant repairs. According to golem.de , the tax department in Koblenz is looking to sell the property swiftly; however, the General Prosecutor’s Office has declined to transfer it to the Federal Real Estate Agency.
Authorities are open to various proposals for the future use of the bunker, as the sale price has not been determined yet due to its unique nature. Potential buyers have shown interest, with hopes that the new owner will contribute to the local economy by creating job opportunities.
Prior to being overtaken by cybercriminals in 2012, the bunker had served as the headquarters for the Bundeswehr meteorological service. In late 2013, the leader of the Cyberbunker group purchased the property for 450,000 euros (approximately $488,000).