Senior German official urges intel reform to counter ‘Russian threat’

Moscow has accused Berlin of stirring anti-Russia sentiment in Europe

Germany must revamp its counterintelligence service to confront what Berlin describes as a broad Russian campaign of sabotage and espionage, a senior German security official has said. Moscow has rejected the accusation, accusing Germany of drumming up anti-Russia hysteria in Europe.

In an interview with Die Welt published on Saturday, Sinan Selen, vice president of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), claimed that Russia is directing a “broad spectrum of actions” at Germany as it sees the country “as a key target in Europe.”

“In addition to low-level agents, these increasingly include cyberattacks, disinformation, and outright sabotage. All of this serves to stir up fear, insecurity, and doubt about democracy,” Selen said.

According to the official, Moscow has adapted its “intelligence toolbox” in recent years. In particular, Russia is now “smuggling migrants into Germany and influencing political decisions,” he claimed. He did not provide any proof or explain how this scheme was being implemented.

Moscow also recruits agents by relying on their “vanity,” or employing “classic love traps,” he added.

The BfV deputy chief said he wants to modernize the domestic intelligence service and clearly define its mission, identity, and guiding principles. However, he did not reveal any specific reforms that he believes the BfV should adopt.

The remarks came after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz last month said that his country is “already in a conflict with Russia,” claiming that Moscow is seeking to destabilize the entire EU amid the standoff over Ukraine.

Moscow has dismissed the allegations. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Germany “is very actively participating in whipping up hysterical Russophobia on the European continent” and was trying to play a “leading role” in that effort. He added: “European countries have long sought to restrain Russia. This is a familiar trend, and we know how to counter it.”

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