German intelligence services on Monday warned of a spike in Russian espionage in a public session of the parliamentary oversight penal.
The annual meeting in Germany’s lower house, the Bundestag, was attended by leaders of the country’s three intelligence services.
The Federal Intelligence Service (BND), the Military Counterintelligence Service (MAD) and the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV).
BfV President Thomas Haldenwang told lawmakers that the agencies have “observed aggressive acts from Russian intelligence services.’’
Haldenwang, whose BfV is primarily responsible for domestic intelligence gathering on threats to Germany’s constitutional democracy, said Russian espionage and sabotage efforts have risen “both quantitatively and qualitatively.’’
Bruno Kahl from the BND, which was responsible for foreign intelligence, said “the Kremlin sees the West, including Germany, as an opponent.’’
MAD President Martina Rosenberg, reported concerns that foreign agencies were attempting to spy on the Bundeswehr, Germany’s armed forces.
The efforts are seeking to “uncover weapons deliveries to Ukraine, training plans or armament projects, or to instill a sense of insecurity through acts of sabotage,’’ Rosenberg said.
The parliamentary oversight panel’s meetings are usually held behind closed doors, but public sessions are organised once a year. (dpa/NAN)
