German federal prosecutors have charged a German‑Ukrainian woman with acting as a covert intelligence agent for Russia, alleging she passed information to an embassy‑based intelligence officer and helped him attend events, sometimes under false names. Arrested in January, she is accused of seeking and recruiting contacts within the Ministry of Defence and the arms industry, with an emphasis on matters tied to Russia's war in Ukraine. Searches were carried out in Rhineland‑Palatinate, Brandenburg and Munich; the Foreign Office declared a Russian diplomat persona non grata and Moscow later expelled a German diplomat in response.
Suspected Russian Spy Charged in Berlin Over Alleged Intelligence Network
FILE PHOTO - "Federal Public Prosecutor General at the Federal Court of Justice" is written on a sign at the entrance to the prosecutor's office building in Karlsruhe, Germany. (is associated with: «Suspected spy accused of giving info to Russian intelligence in Berlin») Christoph Schmidt/dpa
German federal prosecutors in Karlsruhe have formally charged a woman suspected of spying for Russia, accusing her of providing information to an intelligence officer at the Russian embassy in Berlin and helping him cultivate contacts within German defence circles.
Allegations and Arrest
The suspect, a dual German‑Ukrainian national, was arrested in January and has remained in custody since. Prosecutors say she had been in contact with the embassy intelligence officer since at least October 2023 and that her activities spanned several years.
"For years, the accused provided him with numerous tips about high‑profile events and ensured that he was able to attend such events, in some cases under a false name," the federal prosecutors said. "This was intended to enable him to build his own network for intelligence purposes."
Scope of the Case
Authorities allege the woman arranged access for the embassy officer to high‑profile political and defence events and attempted to recruit contacts from the Ministry of Defence and the arms industry. Prosecutors say she sought information on German defence policy and details from the arms sector, particularly in relation to Russia's war in Ukraine.
On the day of her arrest, searches were conducted not only at the suspect's residences but also at addresses linked to two other individuals. The raids took place in Rhineland‑Palatinate, Brandenburg and Munich. Prosecutors have not publicly confirmed the identities of any co‑defendants; earlier reporting by dpa indicated that two former Bundeswehr figures were among those of interest.
Background And Motive
According to reporting and security sources, the accused had lived in Germany for decades, worked in marketing, and chaired a lobbying association. She was known as a pro‑Russian networker active in Berlin political circles. No public evidence has been released showing payments to the suspect; investigators say her prior statements suggest ideological motives rather than financial gain.
Diplomatic Fallout
The day after the arrest, the German Foreign Office summoned the Russian ambassador and informed him that a member of the Russian embassy accredited as a diplomat had been declared persona non grata and expelled. German officials indicated the diplomat in question was the deputy Russian military attaché, according to dpa. The Kremlin responded by expelling a German diplomat from Russia.
Next Steps
The case now moves to the courts, which will decide whether to send it to trial. Prosecutors continue to investigate and have not provided further public details about potential co‑defendants or specific evidence.
Help us improve.
