Germany Arrests Kazakh Citizen Accused of Spying for Russia

German authorities have arrested a Kazakh man, identified as Sergej K, on suspicion of spying for Russia. According to the German Federal Prosecutor’s Office, Sergej K had been in continuous contact with a Russian intelligence service since at least May last year.

Prosecutors allege that Sergej K provided his handler with information about German military aid for Ukraine, including details about companies involved in developing drones and robotic systems. He also allegedly sent photos of NATO military convoys and public buildings in Berlin.

Additionally, prosecutors claim that Sergej K offered to find other espionage agents in Germany. However, it is unclear whether he carried out this task. The case marks the latest incident in a series of Moscow-linked espionage and disinformation plots uncovered by German authorities since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

In recent months, German authorities have arrested individuals suspected of plotting sabotage attacks on US military sites in Germany and alleged “disposable” agents carrying out sabotage and espionage for Russia. Berlin has also summoned the Russian ambassador to condemn threats against targets in Germany, which it claims are intended to undermine support for Ukraine.

Germany has accused state-sponsored Russian hackers of carrying out a cyberattack on members of the Social Democratic Party in 2023. The Russian embassy has denied any involvement in German-based espionage schemes.

Source: Al Jazeera