Three men facing trial in Germany for allegedly plotting Russian sabotage

Trial of Dual Citizens for Espionage in Munich

In Munich, three dual citizens of Germany and Russia are facing trial, accused of espionage on behalf of the Kremlin and planning attacks on crucial military infrastructure.

The individuals allegedly obtained a military codeword and collected confidential details about oil refineries in Bavaria and US military training sites near Graphenvel, a town in eastern Germany. Reports suggest they also intended to orchestrate bomb attacks against facilities supporting Ukraine.

One of the key suspects, referred to only as Dieter due to privacy laws in Germany, is accused of coordinating the plan aimed at sabotaging German support for Ukraine.

He stands trial alongside Alexander J and Alex D, who is believed to have aided Dieter at the behest of a foreign intelligence agency. The trio was apprehended by Bavarian police in April 2024, near Bailloth.

Dieter faces additional charges for allegedly capturing images and videos related to their plans for explosions and arson, and preparing for actions that threaten national security. Furthermore, he has been indicted for being part of a foreign terrorist organization and is reported to have been involved as a pro-Russian separatist fighter for the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic in eastern Ukraine since 2014. The two men purportedly began assisting him in March 2024.

While Alexander J and Alex D have admitted to some involvement in the suspicious activities, they have denied any knowledge of espionage on behalf of a foreign government, as stated by court spokesman Laurent Lafleu. In contrast, Dieter has denied all charges.

Last week, three Ukrainians were arrested on similar charges in Germany and Switzerland. Authorities have been particularly vigilant regarding threats of sabotage and espionage, as these individuals were alleged to have planned an attack on German cargo transport for Russia. The Federal Prosecutor’s Office reported they intended to send packages with explosives to Ukrainian recipients, which could detonate during transit.

The European Intelligence Agency also suspects Russia of being involved in a similar scheme, aiming to plant explosive devices in cargo planes, following recent explosions at loading facilities in Leipzig, Birmingham, and Warsaw.