secret services
After arrest in the BND: Ampel takes the case “very seriously”
The headquarters of the Federal Intelligence Service in Berlin. photo
© Christophe Gateau/dpa
The Federal Intelligence Service was recently shaken by an alleged case of espionage. Was the spy exposed by a tip from a foreign intelligence service?
According to its own statements, the federal government takes the alleged espionage case in the federal intelligence service “very seriously”. Deputy government spokeswoman Christiane Hoffmann said in Berlin that the investigative authorities would be given comprehensive support in clarifying the matter.
“The Federal Chancellery and the Federal Chancellor were involved in this case at an early stage.” Hoffmann did not give any further details, citing the ongoing investigation. It is very important that nothing becomes public that could give the Russian side the opportunity to gain insights.
Before Christmas, an employee of the Federal Intelligence Service was arrested on suspicion of treason. He is suspected of having passed secret information to the Russian intelligence service. The federal prosecutor announced that the content was a state secret within the meaning of the Criminal Code. According to the Criminal Code, treason can be punished with a prison sentence of at least five years or life imprisonment in particularly serious cases like this one.
According to previously unconfirmed information from the “Spiegel”, the alleged spy was unmasked by a tip from a foreign intelligence service.