German Prosecutors Charge Three Russian-German Nationals for Espionage and Sabotage

German prosecutors have filed charges against three Russian-German nationals accused of working as secret service agents for Russia. The individuals, identified as Dieter S., Alexander J., and Alex D., face allegations of espionage and sabotage, posing significant risks to national security.

Espionage and Sabotage Allegations

The three individuals are charged with collaborating with a foreign secret service to undermine German security. Prosecutors allege that Dieter S. not only acted as a secret service agent but also engaged in sabotage operations. His activities reportedly included photographing military installations with the intent of compromising national security.

In October 2024, Dieter S. and Alexander J. were arrested by Germany's Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt or BKA) on charges of espionage. Additionally, Dieter S. faces charges of being a combatant in an armed unit of the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR), a separatist group in eastern Ukraine.

Connections to Russian Intelligence

According to the Federal Prosecutor's Office (Generalbundesanwalt), Dieter S. maintained contact with an operative from the Russian secret service who was also part of the DPR's armed unit. Starting in October 2023, they allegedly exchanged information about potential sabotage operations within Germany. These planned actions aimed to disrupt Germany's military support to Ukraine amidst Russia's ongoing aggression.

The scope of sabotage activities proposed by Dieter S. reportedly included:

• Explosive and arson attacks targeting military infrastructure and industrial facilities.

• Sabotage of railway lines transporting military goods.

To facilitate these operations, Dieter S. gathered intelligence on potential targets in Bavaria, including U.S. military installations, a loading station in Upper Palatinate, and a tool manufacturing company. His efforts were supported by Alexander J. and Alex D. from March 2024 onward.

Surveillance and Information Sharing

Prosecutors revealed that Dieter S. personally conducted reconnaissance on several targets, taking photos and videos of military transports and equipment. This information was passed on to his contact in the Russian secret service, underscoring the extent of the espionage activities.

Related Espionage Cases

The charges against the Russian-German nationals are part of a broader crackdown on espionage activities in Germany. Several recent cases highlight the increasing threats posed by foreign intelligence operations:

1. Turkish Espionage: A Turkish citizen, Mehmet K., was charged with working for Turkey's secret service.

2. American Espionage for China: In November 2024, Martin D., a U.S. national and former employee of the U.S. armed forces in Germany, was arrested for allegedly contacting Chinese government agencies. He is accused of offering sensitive U.S. military information for transmission to Chinese intelligence services.

3. Chinese Intelligence Operations: Earlier in 2024, a Chinese citizen, Yaqi X., was apprehended for collecting data on flights, cargo, and personnel linked to a German defense company. This intelligence was shared with Jian G., another Chinese operative who had been arrested earlier in the year.

Broader Implications

These cases highlight the persistent threats posed by foreign intelligence services to Germany's national security. The incidents reveal a pattern of targeting critical infrastructure, military operations, and industrial assets. The German government’s efforts to address these threats emphasize the importance of international cooperation and robust counter-espionage measures.

Conclusion

The charges against Dieter S., Alexander J., and Alex D., along with other recent espionage cases, underscore the growing complexity of international intelligence operations. As Germany continues to confront these challenges, the need for heightened vigilance and proactive security measures remains paramount.