Overview

• MAD says suspected Russian espionage cases have nearly doubled in the past year
• Operations now encompass reconnaissance of military sites, sabotage of supply lines, cyber intrusions, drone overflights and disinformation campaigns
• Agents use third-country travel to enter Germany and exploit social ties to recruit or coerce individuals with Russian roots or dual nationality, including soldiers
• Germany’s role as a NATO logistical hub for troop movements makes it a prime target for Moscow’s intelligence services
• The BfV has issued alerts on ‘throw-away’ agents recruited via social media to carry out one-time operations