German intelligence agencies warn of a significant increase in espionage and sabotage activities by foreign states on German territory. According to the Military Counterintelligence Service (MAD) and the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), the threat has reached its highest level in recent years, especially from Russia.
MAD President Martina Rosenberg said there has been a “sharp increase in espionage and hybrid measures.” Russian intelligence agencies are using methods reminiscent of the Cold War era, including reconnaissance of military facilities, sabotage of supply lines, disinformation, cyberattacks, and drone flights. As a key logistics hub for aid to Ukraine and an active NATO partner, Germany is a focus of foreign intelligence.
The MAD annual report emphasizes that the Bundeswehr has become one of the main targets. Incidents of espionage and sabotage have peaked, including attempts to recruit military personnel and individuals with Russian roots. A particular risk arises during trips by German military personnel to Russia or allied countries, where pressure to cooperate may be exerted.
Russia’s activity intensified after the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Special services record daily hybrid attacks on infrastructure: sabotage, espionage, and disinformation campaigns. Chancellor Friedrich Merz noted that Germany “fights off such threats on a daily basis.”
In addition to Russia, China, Iran, and other countries are becoming increasingly active in the field of economic and technological espionage. However, the main focus of current warnings is on Russia.
The authorities are stepping up countermeasures: personnel checks in critical infrastructure are being expanded and vigilance in the armed forces is being increased. Experts are calling on citizens to report suspicious cases to the competent authorities.
“The best protection against espionage is to take the threat seriously and inform the authorities in a timely manner,” Rosenberg stressed.
The situation remains tense, and German intelligence services expect further increases in activity ahead of key political events.