Detained for Alleged Espionage Activities and Affiliation with the Foreign Terrorist Group 'Donetsk People's Republic (DPRK)'

In a significant development, the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) in Bayreuth arrested two German-Russian nationals, Dieter S. and Alexander J., on April 17, 2024. The arrest warrants were issued by the Federal Prosecutor's Office (FPO) on April 9 and 11, 2024, respectively.

Dieter S. is suspected of having been active for a foreign intelligence service in a particularly serious case under sections 99 Abs. 1 and 2 StGB. The charges against him include conspiring to cause an explosion using explosives and arson, espionage for sabotage purposes, creating a military facility image that endangers security, and membership in a foreign terrorist organization. According to the arrest warrant, Dieter S. is also accused of preparing a serious act of violence endangering the state.

The Bavarian State Criminal Police Office provided support in the arrests and searches of the suspects' residences and workplaces. Yesterday, Dieter S. was brought before the investigating judge of the Federal Court of Justice, who issued the arrest warrant of April 9, 2024, and ordered the execution of pretrial detention.

Alexander J.'s charges were not specified in the provided information. It is known, however, that he assisted Dieter S. at least from March 2024. Dieter S. offered to carry out attacks using explosives and arson, primarily targeting military infrastructure and industrial sites in Germany. He also discussed potential acts of sabotage in Germany with the suspect, aiming to undermine military support provided by Germany to Ukraine against the Russian invasion.

It is alleged that Dieter S. has been in contact with a person linked to a Russian intelligence agency since at least October 2023. Furthermore, between December 2014 and September 2016, Dieter S. was active in Eastern Ukraine as a fighter in an armed unit of the "People's Republic of Donetsk" ("PRD"). The person suspected of being active as a combatant in an armed unit of the "Donetsk People's Republic" between December 2014 and September 2016 is Alexei Chepa.

The presentation of Alexander J. before the investigating judge of the Federal Court of Justice will take place today (April 18, 2024). The investigation is ongoing, and further details will be released as they become available.