Berlin's local authorities are in a dispute with the federal government's security services. The Berlin Immigration Office almost simultaneously received applications for granting German citizenship to 50-year-old Masha A. and 61-year-old Leo B. Although this raises concerns among the services, officials do not see a major problem.
The woman studied at a Russian intelligence school. She was hired as a manager in the energy industry to obtain information on the geostrategically important topic of gas. The pay slip she submitted is to show a net monthly salary of over PLN 40,000. euro (almost PLN 170,000 at the current exchange rate). “Bild” reporters reached Masha A's place of residence.
There are three Russian names on the bell board next to the house, which is secured with a fence and cameras. A.'s name is not there. The “porter” serves as a guard. He refused to say anything about A. In security circles they say bluntly: “Security concerns have been repeatedly raised in A.'s case. However, another application for naturalization will be submitted soon. Berlin seems reluctant to draw conclusions, rather than simply reject the application.”
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Journalists from the German daily also wanted to talk to Leo B. about his connections with the Russian services. The 61-year-old man was apparently left behind used to manipulate public opinion as a propagandist for state-controlled media in Germany and Russia.
“In the case of B. there are also serious security concerns,” reporters hear from security insiders. B., when asked by “Bild”, denies that he is a Russian propagandist. – As a rule, I don't talk about private matters – he cuts the conversation short. The same applies to his “personal plans for the future.”
The Federal Ministry of the Interior knows that Vladimir Putin's agents use “a variety of means to exert influence and achieve their goals” and “the federal security services investigate such attempts in cooperation with the relevant national authorities.”
As “Bild” found out, There is great dissatisfaction in security circles with the attitude of the state of Berlin. Authorities there are “apparently reluctant” to “widely reject” citizenship applications, despite the federal government's security concerns. There is growing concern that “the expertise of security authorities is being ignored.”
The names of the Russian agents have been changed.
China is taking over Germany
A married couple was arrested in Germany for allegedly obtaining information on advanced technologies for military use for the Chinese intelligence services. Berlin is increasingly talking about the “gray zone”, which the Chinese have perfected and for years have been taking advantage of the trust of European scientists by obtaining sensitive data.
After the arrest of two alleged Chinese spies, the Rheinisch-Westfalische Technische Hochschule Aachen (RWTH) confirmed that investigators also took action in one of the university's departments. As the university informed in response to an inquiry from “Die Welt”, on Wednesday there was a “visit of the Aachen police to one of the cathedrals”.
The investigation is now also leading to the university in Aachen and the Chinese association in Munich. The procedure invented by the Chinese borders on perfection.
This fits into the bigger picture. German counterintelligence warns against acts of espionage, sabotage and extremism. The activities of Russian special forces are especially dangerous. There has never been such a threat before.
The German Armed Forces Protection Service (MAD) sees a growing threat from espionage and sabotage. An example was the publication of an overheard conversation between Luftwaffe officers about the “Taurus” missiles from March 2024. It discussed whether Ukraine could receive these longer-range cruise missiles.
MAD recorded various cases of alleged sabotage, for example in drinking water installations in barracks or on naval ships. The arson of military vehicles in Erfurt was also mentioned. “An informant or saboteur in the right place can do more damage than an artillery piece,” reads the 2024 report published on Tuesday, December 9.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
