Senior German representative strongly advices intel reform to counter ‘Russian threat’

(MENAFN) Germany needs to overhaul its counterintelligence capabilities to address what it claims is an expanding campaign of Russian espionage and sabotage, according to a senior official from the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV). Russia, however, has rejected the accusations and accused Berlin of fueling anti-Russian sentiment across Europe.

In an interview with Die Welt published on Saturday, BfV Vice President Sinan Selen claimed that Russia views Germany as a “primary target” in Europe and is using a wide range of tactics—including cyberattacks, disinformation, and sabotage—to destabilize the country.

“These actions aim to spread fear, undermine public trust, and cast doubt on democracy,” Selen said.

He also alleged that Moscow has updated its intelligence methods in recent years and is now involved in smuggling migrants into Germany to sway political decisions. However, Selen provided no specific evidence to support this claim.

He added that Russian operatives sometimes use personal vanity or “love traps” to recruit informants.

Selen called for a modernization of Germany’s domestic intelligence service, including a clearer definition of its mission and core principles. However, he did not outline any concrete reform proposals.

His comments come amid heightened tensions between Berlin and Moscow. Last month, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz declared that Germany is “already in a conflict with Russia,” accusing Moscow of trying to destabilize the European Union amid the Ukraine crisis.

In response, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the accusations, saying Germany was fueling “hysterical Russophobia” and attempting to take the lead in anti-Russian efforts. He added that efforts to contain Russia are nothing new and that Moscow is prepared to counter them.

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