BERLIN, Feb. 21 (UPI) -- German authorities have lost contact with an alleged insider who warned the government of a large-scale terrorist assault last year, records indicate.
German Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere warned the public in November that security at air and rail terminals would be high because of information suggesting an attack was in the planning stages.
Much of Europe went on high alert after various reports warned of an attack similar to the one that left hundreds of people dead in Mumbai in 2008.
A suspected al-Qaida member was in contact with Germany officials on terrorist plots in Europe, though authorities have lost contact with the person, German news magazine Der Spiegel reports.
In phone calls to German officials, the suspect was vague on specifics despite a demand for hefty financial compensation and protection for his family, the report adds.
German authorities didn't bow to his requests. Airline officials reportedly contacted embassy officials when the alleged al-Qaida suspect bought a plane ticket. The news agency didn't indicate any information about departure or destination locations but said he slipped through security because airline officials couldn't reach anyone in charge, the report added.
State officials in Germany were quoted by Der Spiegel at the time as saying there were "concrete indications" that Berlin, Munich, Hamburg and the Ruhr region were potential targets.
