Germans⁢ Arrest Three Suspected of Sabotage Plot for Russia

BERLIN (AP) — German and Swiss authorities have arrested three Ukrainian nationals suspected of acting as agents and planning sabotage operations on behalf of Russia, the German Federal Prosecutor’s Office announced Wednesday.⁣ the ⁣suspects allegedly agreed to carry out explosive attacks, possibly using ⁣package bombs.

Arrests made in Multiple Locations

A man was initially detained in Cologne on Friday,⁢ according to the federal prosecutor. He was subsequently transported to Karlsruhe and presented before an investigative‍ judge at the Federal Court of Justice. The ⁤following day, another suspect was apprehended in Constance by officials from the State Criminal Police Office in Baden-Württemberg. Both individuals⁣ remain in⁤ custody. A third man was arrested Tuesday in the Swiss canton of thurgau and is awaiting extradition to Germany.

suspects Planned Attacks on freight Transport

The suspects, identified as Yevhen B., Daniil B., and Vladyslav T., allegedly agreed no later than the end ⁣of March 2024 to conduct arson and explosive⁤ attacks on freight transport ⁣within Germany at the behest of Russian state entities. The plan involved⁤ sending packages containing ⁢explosive or incendiary devices from Germany to recipients in Ukraine, designed to detonate during transit. Authorities believe the⁢ suspects had already scouted⁣ potential transport routes.

Baden-Württemberg interior Minister Thomas Strobl (CDU) stated that the arrest in constance likely prevented an explosive attack. He added that the incident demonstrates that Germany is a target of foreign state aggression and exists in a state “between war and peace.”

Official Warns ⁣of “Low-Level Agent” ⁤Threat

Reul: “Low-Level agent” as a New Threat

Investigators believe Vladyslav T., based in⁢ Cologne, was responsible for identifying ⁣transport routes. He had reportedly sent two test packages⁢ containing GPS trackers. “We then got on the crazy,” North Rhine-Westphalian Interior Minister herbert Reul (CDU) said Wednesday in Düsseldorf. Reul described the allegations as “very notable” and indicative of a “new quality of hybrid threats” in North Rhine-westphalia.

Reul stated that the protection of the constitution has warned of increased Russian espionage and sabotage for some time. “But ‍what we also find out: The‍ Modus Operandi Russian intelligence services has changed.” Russian intelligence agencies took risk‍ leaders and more aggressive.

Reul further⁤ noted that Russian intelligence agencies are increasingly relying on “low-level agents” recruited for minimal compensation, rather than highly trained operatives. “Russia puts pressure, wants to unsettle and do damage here in Germany,” Reul said. He ‍emphasized that attacks are not limited to state institutions but also target critical infrastructure,the private sector,and individuals.”And Germany, as a free democracy, is⁢ of course interesting operating ⁤area for russian⁣ intelligence services.” Publications from the Kremlin showed that Germany is a top priority, according to the North Rhine-Westphalian Interior Minister.

Reul emphasized that the investigation is ongoing. “There can⁣ be other processes.” Regarding hybrid attacks and the use of “low-level agents,” ⁢he⁣ added that it represents “a ⁢huge new construction site that we have.” According to the German ‍Press Agency, there are indications of pro-Russian sentiments among the suspects and, in one case, evidence of prior contact with‍ Russia.

Details Emerge on GPS Tracker Procurement

GPS tracker procured in Switzerland according to “Spiegel”

According to the magazine “Spiegel”, citing investigative findings, Yevhen B. allegedly procured the GPS trackers in Switzerland and sent them to⁣ Daniil B. ⁤in Constance. Daniil B. then transported them to Cologne, from where Vladyslav T. dispatched them to Ukraine.⁣ Though,the magazine reports,citing investigators,that the process is still in its early stages.

Thermite and Ukrainian Parcel Service Mentioned

The “Bild” newspaper reports that the suspects “probably” intended to⁢ use the chemical ⁢substance thermite for the explosions. In addition, the packages “apparently” were to be sent via the private Ukrainian parcel service provider “Nova Poshta.”

Previous Sabotage Cases

This is not the first instance of alleged⁣ Russian-directed sabotage plots in Germany. in April 2024, german-russian national Dieter S. was arrested for allegedly planning attacks on military infrastructure and industrial sites,having communicated with an employee of a Russian intelligence service. The indictment alleges that the attacks⁤ were intended to undermine military support for ukraine. The trial against S. and two alleged accomplices is scheduled to begin Tuesday before the Munich Higher Regional⁤ Court.