Two individuals of German and Russian nationality were apprehended in Bavaria under the suspicion of engaging in espionage activities on behalf of Russia.
The arrests were made in the city of Bayreuth in south-eastern Germany on Wednesday, as announced by federal prosecutors. The detainees, identified as Dieter S. and Alexander J., are accused of planning explosive and arson attacks to undermine Germany’s military support for Ukraine.
The primary suspect, Dieter S., allegedly conducted reconnaissance on potential targets, including facilities of the US armed forces stationed in Germany. Authorities conducted searches of the suspects’ residences and workplaces, gathering additional evidence. The investigation points to their involvement with a foreign intelligence service, making this a significant case of espionage.
Prosecutors claim that Dieter S. has been in communication with an individual connected to Russian intelligence services since October 2023, with discussions revolving around possible acts of sabotage. The objective of these actions was to disrupt Germany’s military aid towards Ukraine in countering Russian aggression. The accused individuals expressed their willingness to carry out explosive and arson attacks primarily targeting military infrastructure and industrial sites in Germany.
Alexander J., the other person under suspicion, is believed to have begun assisting Dieter S. no later than March 2024. Dieter S. allegedly gathered information on potential targets by capturing photos and videos of military transports and equipment, which he then shared with his contact.
In addition to the espionage charges, Dieter S. faces a separate accusation of belonging to a foreign terrorist organization. Prosecutors strongly suspect his involvement as a combatant in an armed unit affiliated with the so-called “People’s Republic of Donetsk” in eastern Ukraine between 2014 and 2016.
These recent arrests add to a series of espionage cases involving alleged Russian collaboration since the onset of the Ukrainian conflict in early 2022. These incidents have raised concerns in Germany, with some suggesting that officials in Berlin may hold pro-Moscow biases.
Notably, a former German intelligence officer is presently undergoing trial in Berlin for allegedly providing Moscow with classified information regarding Germany’s knowledge of Russian mercenary operations in Ukraine. The defendant denies the charges. Furthermore, in November 2022, a German civilian received a suspended sentence for sharing information with Russian intelligence services while serving as a reserve officer in the German army.
Source: AFP
