Germany charges woman accused of helping Russian intelligence target defense circles
German federal prosecutors have charged a German-Ukrainian dual national with working for Russian intelligence and helping a Russian operative gain access to political and military circles in Germany.
Ilona W., who ran a marketing agency in Berlin and headed a lobbying association, had extensive contacts in political and military circles, Germany's Federal Prosecutor's Office said on Sept. 14.
Prosecutors allege that since at least October 2023, she had been in contact with a full-time Russian intelligence officer working at the Russian Embassy in Berlin.
Over several years, Ilona W. allegedly provided him with information about high-profile events and helped him attend some of them, at times under a false name. Prosecutors say the aim was to help the Russian operative build a network of contacts for intelligence purposes.
She also attended events herself to identify potential contacts and targets and allegedly tried to recruit people from Germany's Defense Ministry and defense industry.
At the request of her Russian contact, she also sought information about German defense policy and the country's arms industry, particularly in connection with Russia's war against Ukraine, prosecutors said.
Ilona W. was arrested on Jan. 21 and has remained in pre-trial detention. The indictment was filed with the Berlin Higher Regional Court on Sept. 7.