Germany warns public against becoming "disposable agents" for Russian espionage

German security authorities are warning the public against becoming “disposable agents,” amid growing concern over Russia’s use of social media to recruit individuals for espionage and sabotage in or against Germany.

Western officials accuse Russia and its representatives of orchestrating dozens of attacks and other incidents across Europe since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Officials fear the risks are increasing as untrained operatives are being recruited more frequently.

German authorities have expressed concern over the use of so-called “low-level agents.”

The Federal Criminal Police Office of Germany stated that, together with domestic, foreign, and military intelligence services, it is observing rising activity in Germany and other countries where Russian intelligence services—directly or through intermediaries—use social media to recruit people for espionage or sabotage.

According to the agency, so-called “low-level” or “disposable” agents commit crimes without any intelligence training, for small sums of money, often without knowing who is giving them orders or the true purpose of their actions.

“They are ‘used’ and then ‘discarded,’” the police office said while presenting a campaign titled “Don’t Become a Disposable Agent.”

Authorities warned that “anti-constitutional sabotage” carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, while espionage carries up to ten years.

Law enforcement officials urged the public to contact Germany’s domestic intelligence service if strangers approach them or their acquaintances, offering money for activities such as spreading pro-Russian slogans, gathering information on people or property, or causing harm.

The police noted that several suspicious cases are currently under investigation in Germany, including arson, property damage, drone flights, and suspicious filming or photography.

By Khagan Isayev