Prosecutors say Dieter S., who previously fought with pro-Russian separatists in Donetsk, recruited Alex D. and Alexander J. to gather intelligence on a U.S. military base in Grafenwöhr and a Bavarian oil refinery.
Three German men are on trial in Munich for allegedly plotting sabotage attacks on critical infrastructure for Russian intelligence.
Prosecutors say Dieter S., who previously fought with pro-Russian separatists in Donetsk, recruited Alex D. and Alexander J. to gather intelligence on a U.S. military base in Grafenwöhr and a Bavarian oil refinery.
Authorities claim Dieter S. contacted Kremlin agents in 2023 and returned to Germany in 2024 to coordinate the plot. All three suspects deny any links to Russian intelligence.
Their arrests in April 2024 come amid rising concerns over Russian espionage across Europe. EU and NATO officials have reported multiple Russian-linked sabotage efforts, including a plot to assassinate Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger and package bombs in DHL hubs.
“Russia’s covert operations are expanding,” one Western official warned. Last week, three Ukrainians were also arrested for allegedly targeting transport routes to Ukraine.
Poland recently closed Russia’s embassy following an arson attack blamed on Moscow.
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