‘Russia’ alert from German intelligence officer

“Russia’s intelligence interest in Germany is not only uninterrupted, but also growing as the effects of the war (in Ukraine) continue,” Thomas Haldenwang told the German news agency DPA. he said.

“The present case also shows how real the danger of Russian espionage activities is,” Haldenwang said, referring to a Federal Intelligence Service (BND) double agent in charge of foreign intelligence in Germany who was recently arrested. he said.

Recalling that after Russia’s war against Ukraine, Germany declared 40 employees of the Russian embassy in Berlin persona non grata, Haldenwang said they hope Moscow will try to make up for its lost intelligence capability with more “mobile agents” or another cover.

“WE ARE MAKING A GREAT EFFORT SO THAT THEY DO NOT COME TO GERMANY”

“We are making great efforts to prevent other people who may be connected to Russian services from coming to Germany.” Haldenwang noted that for this purpose, the federal government tightened the visa rules.

Explaining that Russian and other intelligence services have been preparing to increase espionage activities for some time, Haldenwang said: “I would like to emphatically refute the accusations that we have done little in the field of counterintelligence in the past.” he said.

Drawing attention to China’s intelligence activities in Germany, Haldenwang said: “A Europe-wide solution is needed, at least for European states, to reverse this trend.” he said.

EXPLANATION ABOUT IRAN AND TURKEY

Haldenwang urged people of Iranian origin who are critical of the Iranian regime to be cautious when traveling to this country.

Haldenwang stated that it cannot be ignored that the elections to be held in Turkey will affect Germany and argued that the political infighting in Turkey has also shifted to Germany due to the elections. (AA)