Recent allegations accuse members of the AfD in Thuringia of using parliamentary inquiries to gather sensitive information potentially for Russia, with a focus on critical infrastructure and police capabilities. Interior Minister Georg Maier stated that the AfD’s questions suggest they are working through a “Kremlin order list.” These accusations have been met with denial by AfD politicians who have called the allegations “bizarre conspiracy theories,” despite the AfD being classified as right-wing extremist. Other politicians, like those from the CDU and Green Party, have echoed concerns about the AfD’s ties to Russia and its potential influence.
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Across Europe, accusations of Russian espionage and sabotage operations targeting nations supporting Ukraine have led to a series of arrests and investigations. In Poland, eight individuals, including Ukrainian nationals, were apprehended for suspected espionage, reconnaissance of military facilities, and planning attacks, including the use of explosives. These arrests coincide with similar allegations in other European countries, highlighting a perceived “hybrid war” waged by Russia. Concerns have been further amplified by drone incursions, prompting European leaders to call for enhanced security measures, including upgrading air defenses and developing a “drone wall” along eastern borders.
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A former US embassy security guard has been sentenced to three years and seven months in prison by a Norwegian court for spying on behalf of Russia and Iran. The 28-year-old provided floor plans, personal details of embassy staff and their families, and information about embassy activities in exchange for payments from Russian and Iranian intelligence. The court determined the information could be used for attacks, and the accused admitted to the actions, claiming they were a protest. Despite his defense’s argument, the court ruled that the information shared was harmful to US security interests.
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First Lady Melania Trump revealed she has been secretly communicating with Russian President Vladimir Putin since August. These communications have led to the successful reunification of eight Ukrainian children with their families, separated by the war. Trump’s efforts involved back-channel meetings and calls between U.S. and Russian representatives, with a focus on the welfare of these children. She stated her mission is to facilitate the reunification of more children and optimize information flow regarding those affected by the war.
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According to an internal government memo reported by Der Spiegel, a drone swarm deliberately surveyed critical infrastructure in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, including a power plant and naval facility. This incident adds to growing concerns about airspace violations by Russia, which has been accused of similar incursions by several NATO members like Denmark, Estonia, Poland, and Romania. The confirmed drone sightings, coinciding with investigations into drone disruptions in Denmark, have prompted heightened security measures and raised questions about the effectiveness of existing air defense systems. Authorities are investigating the incidents as potential acts of sabotage or espionage, while experts express concern about the insufficient protection of Germany’s critical infrastructure.
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A former assistant to a far-right European Parliament member has been convicted of espionage, sentenced to four years and nine months in prison. The individual, identified as Jian G, worked for Maximilian Krah, a member of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, passing information on EU Parliament negotiations to Chinese intelligence since 2002. Beijing has denied accusations of espionage, claiming the reports are intended to smear and suppress China. Krah, also under investigation for alleged money laundering and bribery, was previously barred from EU elections but still secured a seat in the German parliament.
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Two 17-year-old Dutch teenagers were apprehended by authorities for allegedly using hacking devices to spy for Russia. The pair utilized WiFi sniffers near Europol, Eurojust, and the Canadian embassy in The Hague, with Europol confirming the incident but asserting no system compromise. Recruited via Telegram, the arrests followed a tip from the Dutch intelligence service, with the investigation leading to their continued custody. This incident echoes similar recruitment tactics seen elsewhere in Europe, highlighting the use of young individuals in espionage activities.
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Germany’s defence minister has raised concerns about Russian satellites shadowing Intelsat satellites used by the German military, with the potential for disruption, manipulation, or destruction of these assets. These Russian satellites, launched in 2014 and 2023, have exhibited “loitering” behavior near other satellites, prompting observations of close approaches and “unfriendly” actions. The minister also highlighted that Russia and China have rapidly expanded their capabilities for space warfare in recent years. In response to the threat, Germany announced a €35 billion investment in its space programs over the next five years, also emphasizing the need to discuss developing offensive capabilities for deterrence.
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On September 21, NATO scrambled Eurofighter jets over the Baltic Sea to intercept a Russian Il-20M reconnaissance aircraft flying without a flight plan, a potential security risk. The Il-20M, equipped with advanced surveillance technology, is designed to gather intelligence. This incident, along with other recent airspace violations by Russian aircraft in Estonia, Poland, and Romania, demonstrates a pattern of Russia testing NATO’s eastern defenses. In response to these provocations, NATO has increased its vigilance and launched the Eastern Sentry mission, emphasizing the alliance’s commitment to collective security and readiness to respond decisively.
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John Q. Hosedrinker