Selenium explains in a conversation that Russia is currently conducting “broad activities” against Germany. In this context, he mentions Cyberrataki, dissemination of disinformation and sabotage attacks. In his opinion, “all this aims to arouse fear and uncertainty about our democracy, which Putin presents as poor and decadent.”
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The deputy head of BFV notes that after exploring hundreds of Russian diplomats from the west, Moscow changed its strategy and limited espionage conducted from embassies and consulates. Instead, she focused more strongly on other activities, among which Selenium mentions “illegal transfer of migrants to Germany” and “attempts to influence the political process.”
The Russians recruit employees with access to secret data
Selenium points out that Russian intelligence services are increasingly trying to recruit employees with access to secret and sensitive data in Germany. BFV is to record an increased number of people who report to this office, claiming that Russian services have tried to recruit them.
The deputy head of BFV warns against the “classic love trap”, i.e. entangling in fake romantic relationships with a person substituted by the Russians. He admits that some people decide to cooperate with the Russians from vanity or for financial benefits.
In the face of tense relationships with Russia, German counterintelligence had to change priorities, “admits Selenium. Now the main goal is to defend against interference from foreign and hostile powers, counteracting terrorism and violence related to extremist movements have come to the background.
