There is an “increased risk” of Russian acts of sabotage in Germany. The Office for the Protection of the Constitution sees a threat from cyber attacks, classic agents or illegals with false identities.
The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) considers acts of Russian sabotage to be possible in Germany as well. There is an “increased risk” for this, said BfV President Thomas Haldenwang at a symposium held by his authority in Berlin. “These capabilities are actually available and, if necessary, can also be used against German targets and, above all, against critical infrastructure.”
The intensity, scope and complexity of the activities of Russian intelligence services have increased noticeably since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, Haldenwang said. Conventional access to information has been drastically reduced for Russia, not least because of the Europe-wide expulsion of several hundred Russian intelligence service employees. “Now they are forced to use alternative methods to satisfy their great interest in education.”
Cyber attacks, agents, fake identities
This happens, for example, through cyber attacks, classic agents or so-called smuggled illegals with false identities. “For Germany, the risks have increased. Any naivety is out of the question here,” warned Haldenwang.
The President of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution also reported a “high intensity” in the reconnaissance activities of the Chinese intelligence services. The transfer of know-how is still the focus here. “But for the declared goal of global, political, military, economic and scientific leadership, Beijing continues to use enormous human and financial resources for espionage operations.”
Source: Stern
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