Senior German official calls for revamp of country’s counterintelligence operations

(MENAFN) A senior German official has called for a major revamp of the country’s counterintelligence operations to tackle what Berlin describes as an extensive Russian campaign of espionage and sabotage. Moscow has rejected these claims, accusing Germany of fostering anti-Russia hysteria in Europe.

In an interview published recently, Sinan Selen, vice president of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), stated that Russia is carrying out a “broad spectrum of actions” against Germany, viewing the nation “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.

The official claimed that Russia has expanded its “intelligence toolbox” in recent years, allegedly including efforts to “smuggle migrants into Germany and influence political decisions,” though he did not provide evidence or further details. He added that Moscow recruits agents by exploiting “vanity” or using “classic love traps.”

Selen emphasized the need to modernize Germany’s domestic intelligence service, clearly defining its mission, identity, and guiding principles, but did not outline specific reforms.

The comments follow German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s statement last month that the country is “already in a conflict with Russia,” accusing Moscow of attempting to destabilize the European Union amid tensions over Ukraine.

Moscow has denied the allegations. A Kremlin spokesman stated that Germany “is very actively participating in whipping up hysterical Russophobia on the European continent” and trying to assume a “leading role” in the effort, adding: “European countries have long sought to restrain Russia. This is a familiar trend, and we know how to counter it.”

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