Germany warns against Russian ‘disposable agent’ recruitment
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Germany has faced a surge in spying and sabotage cases linked to Russia since Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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- German authorities warn of Russia recruiting "disposable agents" via social media for espionage and sabotage in Germany.
- Recruits, offered small payments, commit crimes like arson and drone overflights, targeting military and energy infrastructure.
- German agencies highlight the risk of destabilisation, with potential 10-year jail terms for serious offences like espionage.
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BERLIN - The German authorities launched a campaign on Sept 2 warning against Russian efforts to recruit “disposable agents” via social media to carry out acts of espionage and sabotage.
Germany has faced a surge in spying and sabotage cases linked to Russia
Police and spy agencies said they suspect several cases – from arson to property damage and drone overflights of sensitive sites – were carried out by “disposable agents” who have no training in exchange for small sums.
Military facilities and the defence industry as well as transport and energy infrastructure have been targeted,
The most serious offences can be punishable by up to 10 years in jail.
The campaign warns that suspected Russian spies aim “to destabilise Germany with the help of people in Germany”.
“This gives them a decisive advantage: They don’t have to ‘get their hands dirty’ themselves.”
Recruitment usually starts “innocently” with a chat on social media, before a small sum of money is offered to encourage people to commit crimes, according to the campaign.
“Sabotage, espionage and propaganda activities carried out by foreign intelligence services deliberately undermine the stability of free societies,” warned Mr Bruno Kahl, head of Germany’s BND foreign spy agency.
“They are an attack on our democracy through deception, intimidation and subversion.” AFP
