Two individuals of German-Russian descent were apprehended in Bavaria on suspicion of espionage for Russia, along with plotting explosions and arson attacks to undermine Berlin's military assistance to Ukraine, as per German prosecutors on Thursday.
Identified only as Dieter S. and Alexander J., the duo was taken into custody in Bayreuth, southeastern Germany, on Wednesday, according to federal prosecutors.
The primary suspect, Dieter S., allegedly scouted potential targets for attacks, including installations of the U.S. armed forces stationed in Germany.
On Wednesday, law enforcement officials also conducted searches at the residences and workplaces of both individuals.
They are under suspicion of having collaborated with a foreign intelligence service in what prosecutors have termed a "particularly severe case" of espionage.
Allegedly, since October 2023, Dieter S. has been sharing information with an individual associated with Russian intelligence services, deliberating potential sabotage actions.
"The intention behind the actions was primarily to undermine Germany's military assistance to Ukraine against Russian aggression," stated prosecutors.
The accused purportedly expressed readiness to execute explosive and arson attacks primarily on military infrastructure and industrial sites in Germany.
To facilitate this, Dieter S. gathered information about possible targets, including facilities of the U.S. armed forces.
His alleged accomplice, Alexander J., began aiding him no later than March 2024, prosecutors added.
Dieter S. reportedly surveyed some potential targets by capturing photos and videos of military transports and equipment, subsequently sharing this intelligence with his contact.
Additionally, Dieter S. faces a separate accusation of belonging to a foreign terrorist organization, as prosecutors strongly suspect his involvement as a combatant in an armed unit of the so-called "People's Republic of Donetsk" in eastern Ukraine between 2014 and 2016.
Germany has witnessed several cases of alleged espionage for Russia since the onset of the Ukrainian conflict in early 2022, fueling suspicions that Berlin officials may be overly sympathetic toward Moscow.
A former German intelligence officer is presently undergoing trial in Berlin, charged with divulging information to Moscow indicating Germany's knowledge of Russian mercenary operations in Ukraine. He refutes the allegations.
Moreover, in November 2022, a German individual received a suspended sentence for providing information to Russian intelligence services while serving as a reserve officer for the German army.
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