FRANKFURT: Two German-Russian men have been arrested on suspicion of spying for Moscow and planning attacks in Germany — including on United States army targets — to undermine military support for Ukraine, prosecutors said on Thursday.
The two, identified only as Dieter S. and Alexander J., were apprehended in Bayreuth in the southeastern state of Bavaria on Wednesday, federal prosecutors said in a statement.
The main accused, Dieter S., is accused of having scouted potential targets for attacks, including facilities of the United States armed forces stationed in Germany, AFP reported. Police have searched both persons’ homes and places of work.
They are suspected of having been working for a foreign intelligence service in what prosecutors described as a specially serious case of espionage.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser termed the accusations a particularly serious case of alleged agent activity for President Vladimir Putin’s “criminal” regime.
Germany to Thwart Threat Plans
Reiterating Germany’s steadfast support for Ukraine, she said that they will continue to thwart such threat plans. Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock summoned the Russian envoy over the arrests, the ministry in Berlin said.
According to prosecutors, Dieter S. had been providing information to a person linked to Russian intelligence services since October 2023, discussing possible acts of sabotage.
Prosecutors said that the actions were intended, especially, to undermine the military support provided by Germany to Ukraine against the Moscow aggression.
The accused allegedly showed readiness to carry out arson and explosive attacks mainly on military infrastructure and industrial sites in Germany.
Dieter S. collected information about possible targets, including facilities of the United States armed forces. Fellow accused Alexander J. started assisting him in March 2024, they said.
Dieter S. scouted potential targets by taking pictures and videos of military transport and equipment. He then allegedly provided the information to his contact person.
