A suspect in Mittelfranken, Bavaria, reportedly escaped custody in early February by using a police handcuff key, which is available online for approximately ten euros. The incident, first reported by Bayerischer Rundfunk (BR), has raised significant security concerns, with the police union (GdP) sounding the alarm about the potential danger to officers. While the Bavarian Interior Ministry confirmed the escape and stated that the suspect was recaptured, they lack concrete proof of a key being used, though internal warnings about this possibility have been issued. The handcuff model, introduced in 2009, is certified, but the ministry acknowledges the serious issue of readily available master keys and is implementing internal countermeasures. The manufacturer is pursuing legal action against the online sale of the keys, and the GdP advocates for a nationwide shift to police-exclusive handcuffs with unique keys.