Germany sees "more aggressive" Russian spy activity

Germany's Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), the country's domestic intelligence agency, has said that Russian spying and disinformation operations inside Germany increased markedly in 2022, and they expect it will continue to do so this year.

In a new report published on June 20, the BfV said Russia was showing an increased interest in disinformation campaigns. China was also mentioned as one of the "main players" in spy operations in Germany, according to DW.

"In the future, we can expect more clandestine and aggressive espionage operations by Russia, as well as cyberspace activities emanating from Russia," the report said, before adding that cyberattacks are "regularly aimed at obtaining information, but may also be aimed at sabotage or serve the purpose of exerting influence."

"Russia's war against Ukraine also means a turning point for internal security," German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser wrote in the report's foreword. "Especially in times of war, the leadership in the Kremlin relies on the work of Russian intelligence services."

"The BfV report once again highlights the dangers to Germany's internal security: espionage, cyber operations and attempts by foreign intelligence services to exert influence have become more unrestrained and sophisticated," said BfV President Thomas Haldenwang.

China's activity, meanwhile, was aimed mainly at gleaning information about Germany's industry, scientific institutions and military. "In 2022, suspected state or state-directed Chinese actors continued to perpetrate targeted cyberattacks against businesses, government agencies, and individuals, as well as against political institutions," the report said.