Kazakhstani citizen accused of spying for Russia arrested in Germany
Kyiv • UNN
Sergey K., a citizen of Kazakhstan, was detained in Berlin for spying for the Russian Federation. He was collecting data on German military aid and drones for Ukraine.
A citizen of Kazakhstan has been detained in Berlin on suspicion of spying for Russia and collecting data on German military aid to Ukraine. This was reported by Al Jazeera, according to UNN.
Details
The man, identified as Serhiy K., had been in constant contact with Russian intelligence while in Germany since at least May of last year, according to a statement released by the agency on Wednesday, the day after his arrest.
Prosecutors stated that Serhiy K. passed information to his Russian handler regarding German military aid to Ukraine, specifically concerning companies involved in the development of drones and robotic systems. He also allegedly sent photographs of NATO military convoys and public buildings in Berlin.
Among other activities were offers to recruit other spies in Germany, though it is not specified whether he succeeded in doing so.
There has been no immediate reaction from Kazakhstan or Russia.
Previous cases
This case is the latest in a series of investigations into espionage and disinformation operations that German authorities claim are linked to Moscow following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
In 2024, two individuals with dual German-Russian citizenship were arrested on suspicion of planning sabotage against U.S. military facilities in Germany aimed at undermining support for Ukraine.
German police have also detained so-called "disposable agents," who are used for sabotage and espionage without formal training in exchange for small payments.
Earlier this month, Berlin summoned the Russian ambassador to condemn "direct threats" against facilities in Germany.
The German Foreign Ministry stated that such threats are aimed at undermining support for Ukraine. "Our response is clear: we will not be intimidated. Such threats and any forms of espionage in Germany are absolutely unacceptable," the agency stated.
Germany has also accused "state-sponsored" Russian hackers of an "unacceptable" 2023 cyberattack on members of the Social Democratic Party, which Russia categorically denies.
At the same time, Russia has effectively banned the German international broadcaster Deutsche Welle, accusing it of "hostile anti-Russian propaganda."
Moscow has repeatedly denied any involvement in espionage operations in Germany.
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