German Intelligence Warns Defense Companies of Threat of Russian Espionage and Sabotage

Germany’s domestic intelligence service has warned domestic companies in the defense and security sectors of an increased threat of espionage, sabotage, and possible attacks from Russia.

The document states that the threat level remains high following the March agreement to deepen cooperation between Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, reports Euractiv.

Intelligence agencies view the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation’s recent publication of a list of German companies as a reaction to this agreement.

German intelligence emphasized that Russian state agencies and their agents are targeting military infrastructure and related businesses. The agency does not rule out targeted attacks on top executives depending on the course of the war in Ukraine, citing as an example the threat of an assassination attempt on Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger.

Among the methods of influence, the intelligence agency noted the active recruitment of low-skilled agents via messaging apps in exchange for monetary compensation, phishing campaigns, and the use of commercial geodata.

The intelligence agency also drew attention to the activities of networks circumventing sanctions that are attempting to obtain Western technologies for the Russian defense industry. Additional threats to companies in the sector are seen as coming from pro-Palestinian and radical left-wing extremists.

In light of this, the agency urged businesses to strengthen cybersecurity measures and physical security, and to conduct employee training. Employees are advised to limit the publication of personal data online and to exercise caution when traveling abroad.