Suspicion of serious espionage case: Arrests in Bavaria due to suspected sabotage plans for Russia

In Bavaria, evidence is mounting of activities of a Russian espionage network that could endanger public safety. The Federal Prosecutor General has now announced the arrest of two men who are believed to have been planning acts of sabotage on behalf of a foreign intelligence service in order to weaken Germany's military support for Ukraine. The Russian-German citizens, identified as Dieter S. and Alexander J., were arrested on suspicion of being active in a particularly serious case of espionage. Dieter S. is also charged with planning explosive attacks, arson, and the compromising photography of military facilities. The suspected acts range from conspiring to commit violent actions to scouting military infrastructure – including sites of the US Armed Forces – and industrial locations since at least October of the previous year. The investigating judge ordered pre-trial detention for Dieter S., while Alexander J. was scheduled to appear before the investigating judge. Federal Minister of Justice Marco Buschmann and Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser responded with resolute words to the threat posed by the Russian power apparatus and emphasized the unwavering support for Ukraine. Moreover, Dieter S. is also suspected of having been active as a fighter for the 'Donetsk People's Republic,' classified as a terrorist organization, in the Donbass. This is not the first incident of this nature to engage the German judiciary: a former BND employee and a businessman are currently on trial on suspicion of serious treason. They are accused of passing classified information to the Russian domestic intelligence service, the FSB. Additionally, a professional soldier was arrested in Koblenz, alleged to have offered cooperation to the Russian General Consulate and the Russian Embassy. The current events increase the necessity to analyze all indications and to prepare for possible operations, according to Green Party politician Konstantin von Notz.