The Federal Criminal Office (BKA) has documented a significant escalation of Russian influence operations within Germany since the commencement of the war in Ukraine, raising serious concerns about a multifaceted and evolving threat landscape. BKA President Holger Münch, in a recent interview, warned of a “completely different density” of Russian activities, encompassing espionage, sabotage, cyberattacks and the deployment of expendable agents – a worrying trend characterized by both sophisticated techniques and increasingly brazen tactics.
When pressed on whether Russia is at war with Germany, Münch responded with a stark assessment, paraphrasing the sentiment, “We are not at war, but we are certainly no longer at peace”. This characterization underscores a shift in the nature of the relationship, moving beyond conventional diplomatic tensions into a state of latent conflict.
Münch highlighted a marked increase in the frequency and innovation of these operations, frequently reactive to Western policies and responses. He confirmed a notable rise in investigations related to espionage, sabotage and disinformation campaigns, collectively termed a “hybrid threat.
A particularly alarming aspect revealed by Münch is the utilization of so-called “expendable agents”. These individuals, often recruited through social media and other online platforms, frequently lack a comprehensive understanding of the consequences of their actions. They are deliberately manipulated into performing seemingly innocuous tasks – such as delivering packages of unknown contents – to facilitate broader operations, including election interference and acts of sabotage. These agents, described as “useful idiots” by the BKA, are integral to Russia’s strategy.
The profile of these individuals frequently includes those with Eastern European backgrounds or a prior history of criminal activity. Münch explained that these demographics are often targeted due to their vulnerability, frequently stemming from financial hardship, making them susceptible to relatively small sums of recruitment money – potentially as low as a few hundred euros. “We’re talking about three-digit sums; not exorbitant amounts” he stated, highlighting the operational efficiency and ruthless exploitation underpinning the program.
Crucially, the BKA emphasizes the disposability of these agents. Should they be apprehended, their tracks – both physical and digital – can be readily erased, minimizing repercussions for the Russian state. This strategy allows for deniability and reduces the risk associated with each individual operative, further compounding the challenge for German security services in identifying and neutralizing these hybrid threats. The situation demands a critical examination of existing safeguards and a heightened vigilance regarding foreign influence within German society.