3 German Citizens Arrested for Espionage: Alleged China Spying Raises Concerns

German citizens have been at the centre of recent espionage activities, raising grave concerns over intelligence leaks and potential sabotage. The latest developments involve modern machine parts for ship engines, commonly used in combat ships in war zones, being passed on as information. This information has led to the arrest of several individuals, including two dual German-Russian nationals, identified as Dieter S. and Alexander J.

The suspects are set to be brought before an investigating judge at the Federal Court of Justice. They are part of a broader investigation that also includes allegations of planning to sabotage military aid intended for Ukraine. According to officials, Dieter S. and Alexander J. were discussing possible acts of sabotage in Germany with a person linked to Russian intelligence since October. Dieter S. was further accused of declaring himself willing to carry out bombing and arson attacks on military infrastructure.

These arrests add to Germany’s spy problem, which has been exacerbated by recent intelligence leaks. In one of Germany’s biggest spy scandals in decades, the head of the Luftwaffe, Ingo Gerhartz, inadvertently revealed confidential information about British troops delivering Storm Shadow missiles to Ukraine during a 38-minute call. The call, conducted on an off-the-shelf video chat platform, was intercepted by the Kremlin and broadcast on Russian state television.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz described the leak as “very serious,” leading to a probe into the incident. Downing Street, while acknowledging the seriousness of the leak, emphasized that it was a matter for German Citizens as a close NATO ally. However, critics, including Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood and security expert Professor Anthony Glees, have called for accountability, with Glees stating that “heads should roll” for Germany’s “appalling breach of NATO security.”