German secret service warns of heightened Russian sabotage activities in Europe

By Oliver Towfigh Nia

BERLIN (AA) - Germany’s domestic secret service on Friday warned of an increase in alleged Russian sabotage activities in Europe and said it has indications that Russian intelligence services are specifically evaluating the social media profiles of employees of German companies.

“The aim is said to have been to identify people who could be susceptible to Russian attempts to influence or initiate,” said a current security note from the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution.

The extent of Russian acts of sabotage in Europe depends on the development of the situation in the Ukraine war and on the development of the conflict between Russia and the West, according to the German Press Agency.

The German intelligence agency’s security advisory for the economy said: "The cases observed across Europe since 2023 as well as increased indications of possible activities in Germany are currently leading to an adjusted assessment: There is an increased risk in relation to sabotage activities or corresponding preparatory actions in Germany."

- Cyberattacks on websites

At the same time, according to the German Press Agency, cyberattacks by pro-Russian hackers continue to be detected on the websites of German authorities and companies. So far, the effects of such attacks by “hacktivism groups” have usually been limited in time and the affected websites have only been temporarily unavailable, it said.

In other European countries, several cases of arson or attempted arson are currently being investigated. Investigations are also underway into vandalism and propaganda activities.

Earlier this month, US intelligence agencies discovered that the Russian government planned to assassinate the chief executive of a powerful German arms manufacturer that has reportedly been producing artillery shells and military vehicles for Ukraine.