Mayor says Berlin being 'blackmailed' after cyberattack

"The state of Berlin is being blackmailed," he said, adding that the state government - known as the Senate - would not comply with the criminals' demands.

The cyberattack occurred on August 14 and resulted in the transport department, as well as the department for building and housing, being temporarily disconnected from the state network.

The Berlin State Criminal Police Office and the Public Prosecutor's Office are investigating the incident.

The attack comes weeks before Berlin heads to the polls to elect a new state parliament, with Wegner set to step down.