Berlin – Three German-Russian dual nationals will go on trial in Munich on Tuesday accused of spying for Moscow and readying attacks on critical military infrastructure and industry.
The main suspect, named only as Dieter S., is said to have been at the centre of a plot to undermine Germany’s support for Ukraine through acts of sabotage aimed at targets including US military bases.
He will be tried alongside Alexander J. and Alex D., who are alleged to have supported his activities on behalf of a foreign intelligence service.
Dieter S. faces further charges for allegedly “taking images of military installations” and “conspiracy to cause an explosion and arson”.
Prosecutors have also charged him with “membership in a foreign terrorist organisation” for allegedly fighting for a pro-Russian militia in eastern Ukraine between 2014 and 2016.
The suspect is said to have belonged to an armed unit of the self-proclaimed “People’s Republic of Donetsk”, which claimed control over the region and led fighting against Ukrainian troops.
It was during his time in the unit that Dieter S. was said to have come into contact with a member of the Russian intelligence services, according to prosecutors.
From October 2023, he “exchanged information” with the contact about possible sabotage operations in Germany, prosecutors alleged.
The operations were intended to “undermine the military support provided by Germany to Ukraine”, as it sought to repel Russian forces.
The suspect allegedly “declared his willingness to carry out explosive and arson attacks on military infrastructure and industrial sites” and to sabotage railway lines used to transport military goods.
Alert for Russian sabotage
Dieter S. is said to have scouted out potential targets in Germany, including US military installations, a loading station and a tool manufacturing company.
The suspect allegedly took photos and videos which he passed on to his contact in the Russian intelligence services, prosecutors said.
Dieter S. has been in custody since his arrest in the southern state of Bavaria in April last year, along with Alexander J.
Alexander J. and Alex D. are alleged to have assisted Dieter S. in his activities from March 2024.
Berlin has been on high alert for sabotage plots directed from Moscow since Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
German prosecutors last week said they had also arrested three Ukrainians accused of plotting sabotage attacks on goods traffic for Russia.
The trio allegedly planned to send packages with explosive devices that would detonate in transit.
German media have also reported that European intelligence services believe Russia was behind a similar plot to plant explosive devices on cargo planes.
The operation led to the explosion of parcels at two DHL logistics facilities in Germany and Britain in July last year.
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Source: AFP
