Key facts
- A 33-year-old Ukrainian national was detained in Germany on suspicion of spying.
- The suspect is accused of gathering information at a defense company for sabotage purposes.
- He is believed to be a low-level agent working for Russian intelligence.
- The suspect, identified as Sergey N., was extradited from Spain.
- He allegedly spied on a company supplying military drones to Ukraine.
- Investigators believe the operation may have been preparing for attacks or an assassination.
German prosecutors have detained a 33-year-old Ukrainian national suspected of gathering information for sabotage purposes at a defense company in southern Germany. The man, identified as Sergey N., was initially detained in Spain on March 24, 2026, at Germany's request and transferred on May 14, 2026.
Federal prosecutors accuse Sergey N. and his alleged accomplice, 45-year-old Romanian citizen Alla S., of conducting espionage activities on behalf of Moscow. Sergey N., originally from Ukraine's Kharkiv region, is accused of systematically collecting information since December 2025 about a German company that supplies Ukraine with military kamikaze drones and related components. He allegedly filmed the company's facilities, and his accomplice reportedly investigated the company founder's private address and photographed his home's entrance.
Investigators believe the operation may have been conducted in preparation for physical attacks or an assassination attempt against the businessman. The company's CEO stated he remains safe and has implemented additional security measures. Russian intelligence services have reportedly intensified espionage and sabotage activities across Europe in an apparent effort to undermine support for Ukraine.