Security expert Professor Peter Neumann, specializing in security studies at King’s College London, has cautioned about the potential ramifications of Iranian espionage activity surrounding Berlin’s Justice Senator Felor Badenberg, suggesting multiple factors may be at play. In comments to the “Tagesspiegel”, Neumann stated that “Iran is one of the states that spies the most in Germany – alongside China and Russia.
He further explained that Badenberg’s Iranian heritage, coupled with her previous significant role at Germany’s Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution and her current consideration for a leadership position, potentially increases her profile as a target. According to Neumann, members of the Iranian diaspora have consistently been under surveillance by Iranian intelligence services.
The case, Neumann pointed out, also highlights the challenges facing regional authorities in maintaining cybersecurity, serving as a reminder of the necessity to treat the issue with greater seriousness due to the potentially dangerous consequences. He noted that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps maintains a significant presence and operational capacity abroad. “In Europe alone, ten attempted attacks were recorded last year, including in Germany. This is not solely directed at dissidents, but also targets the Jewish community” he stated.