Two German-Russian men were apprehended in Bavaria on suspicion of spying for Russia and plotting explosions and arson attacks to destabilize Berlin’s military aid to Ukraine, German prosecutors disclosed Thursday.
The individuals, identified solely as Dieter S. and Alexander J., were detained in the city of Bayreuth in southeastern Germany on Wednesday, federal prosecutors stated in an announcement.
The primary suspect, Dieter S., reportedly conducted reconnaissance on potential targets for attacks, “including installations of the US armed forces” stationed in Germany.
Additionally, law enforcement officers conducted searches at the residences and workplaces of both individuals on Wednesday.
Authorities suspect them of “engaging in activities for a foreign intelligence agency,” describing the case as an “especially grave instance” of espionage.
Prosecutors stated that Dieter S. had been sharing information with an individual associated with Russian intelligence services since October 2023, deliberating on potential sabotage operations.
“The intentions were primarily aimed at disrupting the military assistance offered by Germany to Ukraine in countering Russian aggression,” prosecutors emphasized.
The accused reportedly demonstrated willingness to “carry out explosive and arson attacks primarily on military infrastructure and industrial sites in Germany.”
For this purpose, Dieter S. gathered information regarding potential targets, which included “facilities of the US armed forces.”
The prosecution stated that Alexander J. began aiding Dieter S. no later than March 2024.
Dieter S. reportedly conducted reconnaissance on some potential targets by capturing photos and videos of military transportation and equipment. Subsequently, he purportedly shared this information with his contact.
Dieter S. is additionally accused of belonging to a foreign terrorist organization. Prosecutors suspect he served as a fighter in an armed unit of the “People’s Republic of Donetsk” in eastern Ukraine between 2014 and 2016.
Germany has experienced a series of cases involving alleged espionage for Russia since the onset of the Ukraine invasion in early 2022. Some critics suggest that officials in Berlin may be overly sympathetic toward Moscow.
In a separate case, a former German intelligence officer is presently undergoing trial in Berlin, facing accusations of providing Moscow with information revealing Germany’s knowledge of Russian mercenary activities in Ukraine. He refutes the allegations.
Moreover, in November 2022, a German individual received a suspended sentence for divulging information to Russian intelligence services during his tenure as a reserve officer in the German army.
