Main image: Sinan Selen. Photo: PAP/EPA/Hannibal Hanschke
Russian President Vladimir Putin has made Germany the main target in Europe, said Sinan Selen, Deputy Head of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution of Germany (BfV), as reported by PAP.
According to him, Moscow is actively conducting operations against Germany, including cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and sabotage. All of this is aimed at sowing fear and uncertainty in German society, as well as portraying democracy as a weak and decaying system.
Selen noted that after the expulsion of hundreds of Russian diplomats from Western countries, Russia changed its strategy and reduced espionage through embassies and consulates, focusing on other methods. Among them, he mentioned the illegal smuggling of migrants into Germany and attempts to influence political processes.
According to counterintelligence, Russian special services are increasingly trying to recruit employees in Germany who have access to secret and confidential information. The BfV has recorded a growing number of citizens reporting recruitment attempts.
Selen also warned about the so-called classic “honey trap,” where Russians use fake romantic relationships to involve a target in cooperation. He added that some people agree to help Moscow out of vanity or financial gain.
Amid worsening relations with Russia, the priorities of German counterintelligence have changed. While previously the main focus was combating terrorism and extremism, the primary attention is now on protection against interference from hostile foreign states.
