Germany’s Federal Prosecutor’s Office has charged three men accused of conducting espionage for Russia, as confirmed by a spokeswoman to Spiegel on December 30.
The suspects, who hold dual German and Russian citizenship, face charges of engaging in “intelligence activities for a foreign agency.” The charges were filed on December 9 in the Senate of State Security at the Munich Higher Regional Court.
The lead suspect, 40-year-old Dieter S. from Bayreuth, is additionally accused of “agent activities with intent to commit sabotage,” “photographing military facilities in a manner threatening security,” and conspiracy to dangerously disrupt rail traffic.
Authorities allege that Dieter S., along with accomplices 38-year-old Alexander J. and 43-year-old Alex D., conducted surveillance of strategic sites in Bavaria. Their reported targets included an American military training ground in Grafenwöhr, where Ukrainian soldiers are trained, and a weapons manufacturing plant near Bayreuth.
Investigators also claim Dieter S. spied on a freight station in Parsberg, Upper Palatinate, which is used for processing military vehicles. Surveillance efforts reportedly revealed plans for potential sabotage, including bombings and arson attacks, aimed at disrupting Germany’s military infrastructure.
According to prosecutors, these acts were intended to “undermine” Germany’s military support for Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict.
