Berlin announced on April 23 that it has recently expelled “many” Russian agents, as the country faces an increasing threat from Russian-led sabotage operations.
“German authorities are doing everything they can to combat Russian espionage, sabotage, and cyberattacks,” said Sonja Kock, spokesperson for the Ministry of the Interior, during a press conference.
While no exact numbers or timelines were provided, Kock emphasized that Russian intelligence services operating in Germany have been significantly weakened due to these expulsions.
Low-Level Operatives and Explosives Plot
Kock’s remarks followed German media reports suggesting that Russian intelligence had recruited low-level operatives for a plot involving explosive devices on DHL cargo planes.
According to Sueddeutsche Zeitung and public broadcasters WDR and NDR, the agents were not part of any official security apparatus and were typically recruited via messaging apps and paid to carry out operations.
“The investigation into possible sabotage with explosive devices in DHL packages is ongoing with intensity,” Kock stated, without providing further details.
Previous Incident and High Risk
She referred to a July 2024 incident, where several packages exploded at DHL depots in Germany and the UK. While the damage was limited, Germany’s domestic intelligence chief, Thomas Haldenwang, called it a “lucky accident,” warning that:
“A plane would have crashed if the packages had exploded during flight.”
Rising Sabotage Threat Since Ukraine War
“The risk of sabotage has increased significantly in Germany since the start of Russia’s war against Ukraine,” Kock warned.
She also noted that German authorities are closely monitoring efforts by Russian intelligence to recruit individuals in exchange for money.
