German prosecutors have charged three men with espionage for a Russian agency and plotting a possible murder. The suspects—Robert A. (Ukrainian), Vardges I. (Armenian), and Arman S. (Russian)—were arrested in Frankfurt on June 19, 2024. Privacy laws prevent the release of their full names. Officials described the case as a particularly serious criminal act. They said the spying likely aimed to support future operations, possibly including assassination.
In May 2024, a Russian agency ordered Vardges I. to spy on a Ukrainian war veteran living in Germany. This veteran fought against Russian troops during the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Vardges I. recruited Robert A. and Arman S. to help with the surveillance mission. They tried to lure the veteran to a café in Frankfurt to identify and study him. The meeting never happened because the target had prior contact with police and stayed cautious. All three suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.
The espionage charges filed on May 16 add to a growing number of Russian-linked spying cases in Europe. Earlier in May, German and Swiss authorities arrested three Ukrainians accused of trafficking explosives allegedly for Russia. In April 2024, police detained two men with German and Russian citizenship suspected of planning sabotage, including attacks on US military sites. Western officials blame Russia for many attacks since the 2022 invasion, including cyberattacks, arson, sabotage, and spying.
German officials say Russia targets people connected to the Ukrainian conflict. In July 2024, authorities stopped a plot to assassinate Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger. His company makes military equipment used by Ukraine. In 2019, German courts convicted Vadim Krasikov, a Russian, for killing a Georgian veteran in Germany. He got a life sentence but was released in 2024 during a prisoner swap between Germany and Ukraine. Judges confirmed Russian authorities planned and supported the killing with false documents and resources.
The rise in Russian espionage has led Germany and other European countries to strengthen security. Intelligence agencies work closely to uncover spying networks and sabotage plans. Experts warn the situation remains tense because of the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Authorities stress the need for vigilance and cooperation to protect people and national security.