German authorities charged three men on June 19, 2024, with assisting Russian intelligence services and possibly planning an assassination. The arrests took place in Frankfurt, involving Robert A. (Ukrainian), Vardges I. (Armenian), and Arman S. (Russian). Due to German privacy laws, their full names have not been disclosed. Prosecutors described the case as highly serious and linked it to covert Russian operations aimed at further destabilizing security in Europe.
The suspects allegedly worked to track a Ukrainian former soldier living in Germany who had fought against Russia following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. In May 2024, Russian handlers reportedly instructed Vardges I. to identify and monitor the veteran. To carry out this task, Vardges I. recruited Robert A. and Arman S. The group attempted to lure the ex-soldier to a café in downtown Frankfurt for surveillance purposes. However, because the veteran had previously contacted German police, the meeting never took place. All three suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.
This case forms part of a broader wave of Russian espionage activity in Europe. On May 16, similar charges were filed against other individuals accused of involvement in plots linked to Russian intelligence. Earlier in 2024, three Ukrainians were arrested in Germany and Switzerland over plans involving explosives sent by parcel. In April, German and Russian suspects faced charges related to espionage and sabotage targeting Western military installations. Officials have attributed multiple attacks—including cyber intrusions, arson, and sabotage—to Russian agents since the war in Ukraine began in 2022.
Germany has previously accused Russian operatives of plotting assassinations against individuals connected to the war. In July 2024, Western intelligence agencies uncovered a plan to assassinate Armin Papperger, CEO of the defense firm Rheinmetall. Back in 2019, Russian Vadim Krasikov was convicted in Germany for killing a Georgian veteran of the Chechen wars. Krasikov was released in a prisoner exchange with Ukraine in 2024. German courts stated that the assassination was ordered by Russian authorities, who provided Krasikov with a false identity and logistical support.
The recent arrests in Frankfurt highlight ongoing concerns about Russian covert operations on European soil. Security officials warn that espionage and targeted attacks threaten regional stability and call for strengthened cooperation among Western intelligence agencies to counter these threats.