Overview
- At the Higher Regional Court in Frankfurt, prosecutors read an indictment charging Vardges I., Robert A., and Arman S. with conducting foreign-agent activity in an especially serious case that carries penalties of up to ten years.
- Prosecutors say Vardges I. received the task in May 2024 via messenger, recruited the others, and tried to lure the target to Café & Bar Celona on June 19; the man had alerted police, and all three were arrested that day and remain in custody.
- The alleged operation used intermediaries with cover names “Jaroslav” and “Tengo,” whose identities are still unknown, and investigators argue the surveillance prepared further covert actions possibly including a killing.
- Defense lawyers rejected the accusations as based on evidentiary gaps and unproven ties to a Russian service, asserting alternative explanations were not pursued by investigators.
- Court dates are scheduled through May 2026 as prosecutors also examine Russian claims that the target committed war crimes, which they say could point to a revenge motive.