Berlin, April 29 – German federal prosecutors have ordered the arrest of a 47-year-old Kazakh national in Berlin, alleging he was spying for a Russian intelligence service across Germany. The suspect is also believed to have expressed willingness to carry out acts of sabotage.
Suspect Allegedly Photographed Sensitive Locations Nationwide
According to investigators, the man primarily used his smartphone to photograph various buildings, vehicles, and technical facilities that he deemed militarily or strategically significant. These targets reportedly included a military convoy on a highway, official vehicles of politicians, security authorities, and government buildings, particularly in Berlin. The suspect also reportedly showed interest in companies linked to the armaments industry.
Sources from ARD-Hauptstadtstudio and SWR indicate that investigators were surprised by the sheer volume of material and the extensive activities of the accused. However, current evaluations of his mobile phone suggest he primarily photographed publicly accessible or known objects. Legally, this does not preclude culpability for “intelligence agent activity.” Furthermore, because at least one incident allegedly involved military vehicles of another NATO member state, the case could also fall under the NATO Status of Forces Agreement.
“Ready for Anything”: Sabotage Offers Raise Concerns
Of particular concern to investigators is the suspect’s alleged offer to assemble a group of individuals and carry out sabotage operations in Germany. He reportedly told his contact person that he was “ready for anything.”
The man was arrested on Tuesday and was scheduled to appear before an investigating judge at the Federal Court of Justice, who will decide on his pre-trial detention. This case serves as further evidence for German security authorities of the intense efforts by Russian intelligence services to gather information and potentially carry out sabotage operations in Germany. This follows recent public revelations about alleged plans to attack the Bavarian drone company Donaustahl and its managing director.
Growing Trend of Russian Recruitment Attempts
Security agencies have observed an increasing number of attempts by Russian intelligence services to recruit individuals online for espionage. These “disposable agents” are often sought for various intelligence-gathering tasks, including photographing sensitive infrastructure and collecting information on military movements. The current arrest underscores the ongoing threat posed by foreign intelligence activities within Germany.
Previous Incidents Highlight Russian Espionage Activities
This incident is not isolated. In recent months, Germany has seen several reports of suspected Russian espionage:
- April 28, 2026: Suspected espionage at a military transport railway station.
- April 25, 2026: High-ranking politicians allegedly spied on, with the federal government suspecting Moscow behind a “Signal attack.”
- March 25, 2026: Russian intelligence services reportedly targeting the armaments industry.
These events collectively paint a picture of heightened Russian intelligence activity aimed at gathering information and potentially disrupting critical infrastructure and operations in Germany and other NATO countries.
The investigation into the Kazakh national is ongoing, with authorities working to determine the full extent of his activities and any potential collaborators.
