A dual German-Ukrainian citizen has been arrested in Berlin for allegedly passing information to Russian intelligence, according to German federal prosecutors.
Former Bundeswehr Soldiers
On Wednesday, the apartment of the suspect and apartments of two other suspects (they remain at large) were searched in Brandenburg in the Havelland region, in Ahrweiler in Rhineland-Palatinate, and in Munich. As reported by the German press agency DPA, these are former Bundeswehr soldiers – a recently retired staff officer and a high-ranking official who left the army more than 15 years ago. Both are suspected of passing official information to a person suspected of acting on behalf of Russian intelligence.
Investigation Details
Ilona W. is accused of activities on behalf of foreign intelligence services. According to investigators, since at least November 2023, the woman maintained contact with an employee of the Russian embassy in Berlin, who is said to be a Russian intelligence officer. She was to collect information about participants in important political events and about the locations of defense industry plants, drone tests, and planned drone deliveries to Ukraine.
Legal Proceedings
A judge of the Federal Court of Justice will decide on the arrest of Ilona W. The woman has German and Ukrainian citizenship.
