German authorities have detained three men—Robert A. from Ukraine, Vardges I. from Armenia, and Arman S. from Russia—on charges of espionage in Frankfurt. The individuals were allegedly conducting surveillance on behalf of a foreign intelligence agency, targeting a Ukrainian national present in Germany. The suspects were apprehended after being spotted at a café in Frankfurt am Main on June 19, where their target was believed to be. They were arrested the following day, June 20, and are currently in custody. The Federal Prosecutor’s Office has not disclosed the specific intelligence service for which the suspects were allegedly working. This incident underscores the heightened vigilance against espionage activities in Germany and follows recent security concerns involving a former employee of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, who was arrested on suspicion of spying for China. The case continues to develop as the Federal Prosecutor’s Office and the Federal Court of Justice proceed with the investigation.
Key points
- Three men suspected of espionage for an unnamed foreign intelligence agency were arrested in Frankfurt, Germany.
- The suspects were conducting surveillance on a Ukrainian national and were apprehended at a café known to be frequented by their target.
- The Federal Prosecutor’s Office is leading the investigation, with the suspects currently held in custody.
