Overview
- The Higher Regional Court in Munich sentenced Dieter S. to six years for secret-service activity and membership in a foreign terrorist organization, while co-defendants Alexander J. and Alex D. received suspended terms of twelve and six months.
- The court found that from October 2023 to April 2024 he scouted rail lines and military sites and prepared arson and sabotage plans, linking his actions to prior service with pro-Russian units in eastern Ukraine.
- The sentence fell below the Federal Prosecutor’s demand of eight years and eight months; the defense had sought acquittals and announced an appeal, so the judgment is not yet final.
- Separately, the Higher Regional Court in Frankfurt admitted an indictment against Robert A., Vardges I. and Arman S.; the trial opens on December 9 with dates set into March 2026, and the defendants remain in custody.
- Prosecutors say the Frankfurt trio tried to lure a former Ukraine fighter to a café in June 2024 to gather intelligence in a move believed to prepare further operations, possibly including killing the target.