German intelligence worker arrested, allegedly sharing state secrets with Russia

The arrest of the suspect, identified as Carsten L, German nationals, occurred in Berlin on 21 December. He's been sent to custody.

The “accused of state treason”, federal prosecutors said through a statement published by Reuters and Deutsche Welle.

He has shared information, considered a state secret, with the Russian intelligence agency, prosecutors said.

The statement said police have raided his residence and his workplace, but also the property of another person.

German authorities have warned that Russian spying activity could increase at the time the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues. It is still not clear what information was given to the Russians, Carsten L., but the foreign intelligence service (BND), said the incident occurred this year.

The BND had launched an internal investigation into this case had just received information about the possibility of treason within this institution, said the chief of this agency, Bruno Kahl, through a statement.

The BND will not offer further details concerning the case until federal prosecutors complete their investigation, Kahl said.

“Every detail of this process being made public implies the advantage of this opponent [Russia] and its intent to harm Germany”.

The arrest in Germany comes only days after Austria said it has identified a 39-year-old Greek citizen, who allegedly spy on Russia. Media in Austria reported on December 19th that the suspect is the son of a Russian diplomat.

Austria's Interior Ministry said the suspect had collected information in Austria concerning the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This institution added that the suspect had been arrested in late March, but was released until the trial began. /rel/