Spies arrested in Germany for targeting US base and aiding Russian intelligence
Western weapon deliveries to Ukraine have drawn the attention of Russian intelligence services. In Bavaria, German special forces have arrested two individuals for spying on military factories and a US base that trains Ukrainian tank crews. Their plans also included attacking military transport routes.
6:45 AM EDT, April 18, 2024
The leading suspect, 39-year-old Dieter S., holds both German and Russian citizenship. His associate, 37-year-old Alexander J., is also a dual citizen and an agent for Russian intelligence, according to "Der Spiegel".
Conspiracy to disrupt transport routes
Investigations reveal that since October 2023, Dieter S. has been in discussions with contacts from Russian intelligence about performing acts of sabotage in Germany. These plans include arson and attacks on military transport routes, defense companies, and industrial facilities, aiming to weaken German support for Ukraine.
Dieter S. is accused of scouting and photographing US military installations in Germany to share with his Russian contacts. Alexander J., 37, allegedly aided him in this espionage.
"Der Spiegel" reports that these spies also observed US military bases in Germany, notably the Grafenwöhr base in Bavaria, where American forces train Ukrainian soldiers on Abrams tanks operations.
Rise in Russian espionage
Dieter S. is experienced, having served in the "Donetsk People's Republic" militia from 2014-2016. In Germany, this militia is deemed a terrorist group, which adds to Dieter S.'s charges of association with a foreign terrorist organization.
Russian sabotage efforts in EU countries are not new. Last year, an espionage network was uncovered in Poland, engaged in monitoring weapon shipments to Ukraine.
In April, Czech Transport Minister Martin Kupka disclosed to the "Financial Times" that Russian attempts to disrupt Czech railway services had numbered in the thousands over the last two years.
