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4mo ago

Three Dual Nationals Stand Trial in Germany Over Russian Espionage and Sabotage Plot

Defendants accused of planning attacks on military and industrial sites to disrupt German support for Ukraine, with trial expected to last through late 2025.

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Dieter S is accused of scouting out potential targets for arson attacks. Alexander J and Alex D are charged with being his accomplices
Defendant Dieter S, stands between his lawyers Stephan Schultheis (L) and Michael Loewe (R) as he arrives to his trial for spying for Moscow and readying attacks on critical military infrastructure and industry in a court in Munich, southern Germany, on May 20, 2025. Three German-Russian dual nationals will go on trial in Munich on May 20, accused of spying for Moscow and readying attacks on critical military infrastructure and industry. The main suspect, named only as Dieter S, is said to have been at the centre of a plot to undermine Germany's support for Ukraine through acts of sabotage aimed at targets including US military bases.
Defendant Alex D , stands next to lawyer Arne Bodenstein prior to the start of his trial for spying for Moscow and readying attacks on critical military infrastructure and industry in a court in Munich, southern Germany, on May 20, 2025. Three German-Russian dual nationals will go on trial in Munich on May 20, accused of spying for Moscow and readying attacks on critical military infrastructure and industry. The main suspect, named only as Dieter S, is said to have been at the centre of a plot to undermine Germany's support for Ukraine through acts of sabotage aimed at targets including US military bases.

Overview

  • The trial of Dieter S., Alexander J., and Alex D. began in Munich, with charges including espionage, conspiracy to commit arson and explosions, and membership in a foreign terrorist organization.
  • Dieter S., the alleged ringleader, is accused of coordinating sabotage plans with a Russian intelligence contact, targeting military installations, railways, and industrial sites in Germany.
  • Prosecutors allege Dieter S. scouted potential targets, including a U.S. military training area and an oil refinery in Bavaria, and passed information to his Russian contact starting in October 2023.
  • The two co-defendants, Alexander J. and Alex D., are accused of supporting Dieter S.'s activities from March 2024, admitting to some offenses but denying knowledge of espionage.
  • German authorities remain on high alert for Russian-directed sabotage efforts, with the trial highlighting ongoing counterintelligence challenges since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.