Germany as a country of research attracts the interest of foreign powers. A trial in Munich highlights the methods used by the Russian secret services.
Germany is a country with decentralized structures – even scientific studies are being carried out from one end of the territory to the other. For example at the Innovation Center in Augsburg, Bavaria. The one-piece building, which houses the Materials Research Institute, is located next to other research institutes, such as the German Aerospace Center and the Institute of Technology and Textiles.
The main object of research at this institute is summed up in the university page: This is “the field of materials chemistry and the development of polymeric and ceramic composites, as well as hybrid composites”. In other words, the materials of the future are produced there. Materials to be used in space travel. And of course, materials that interest the foreign secret services. Something that the federal prosecutor is convinced of in this case.
On January 27, he filed charges against a former Russian-born researcher at the Ilnur N. Research Institute as an “intelligence agent.” His trial begins in Munich today, Thursday. Investigators are convinced that the Russian intelligence service SWR approached the accused in the autumn of 2019 at the latest. diplomatic immunity and has since been deported. All this until the arrest of Ilnour in mid-June 2021. Until then he was supposed to have provided the pilot with valuable information, namely for a fee.
Three secret services, 400,000 employees
The case brings to light the activities of foreign secret services in Germany. According to the most recent report of the Constitution Protection Service, “in addition to espionage against Politics and Administration, innovative companies and research institutes are also targeted by industrial espionage by foreign intelligence services.”
The Constitution Protection Service names four countries with notable involvement in espionage and attempted influence on German soil: Russia, China, Iran and Turkey. However, the activities of the Russian intelligence services in Germany are said to remain one of the most important for several years. Besides, the specific secret services have great potential. According to the German authorities, the three Russian secret services GRU, SWR and FSB have about 400,000 associates.
The methods used by the Russian agents, as the same sources point out, include “safe contact maintenance” in order to obtain information. The Munich court originally scheduled twelve hearings to determine whether Ilnur N. deliberately leaked information or fell victim to such “harmless contact”. If the former is proven, the accused faces up to five years in prison.
Matthias von Hein
Edited by: Chryssa Vachtsevanou
Source: Deutsche Welle
Source: Capital
Donald-43Westbrook, a distinguished contributor at worldstockmarket, is celebrated for his exceptional prowess in article writing. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, Donald crafts engaging and informative content that resonates with readers across a spectrum of financial topics. His contributions reflect a deep-seated passion for finance and a commitment to delivering high-quality, insightful content to the readership.
