Romanian woman arrested in Germany over alleged Russian spy plot

Romanian authorities confirmed that a woman, implicated in a Russian espionage plot targeting defense industry executives supplying Ukraine, has been arrested in Germany. The Federal Court of Justice issued an arrest warrant for the 45-year-old Romanian citizen, who was apprehended in Rheine, northwestern Germany.

German investigators believe the woman, identified as Alla S., was tasked with surveilling Stefan Thumann, director of the German defense startup Donaustahl. She allegedly filmed his residence, an act investigators suggest was preparation for further intelligence operations, potentially including physical attacks or assassination attempts.

The operation, reportedly orchestrated by Russian intelligence services, also involved a 43-year-old Ukrainian man arrested in Spain. Investigators suggest Russia is actively recruiting "disposable agents", individuals without specific intelligence training, through social media for modest payments to carry out various acts, from vandalism to drone surveillance.

The Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the Consulate General of Romania in Bonn has not received any requests for consular assistance from the arrested woman or her family. The case highlights ongoing concerns about Russian intelligence activities targeting European defense sectors amid the conflict in Ukraine.

“

The surveillance activities would have aimed to prepare for further intelligence operations against the target.