The material reportedly included details about Berlin’s military support for Ukraine and insights into the country’s defense industry, particularly companies developing drones and robotics.
Authorities also accuse him of photographing public buildings in Berlin and documenting military convoys on German highways, including one linked to a NATO member country. The man is also suspected of identifying potential targets for sabotage and offering to recruit others for espionage and sabotage operations.
The arrest comes amid heightened concerns across Europe over Russian intelligence activities following Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. German officials have repeatedly warned of escalating espionage and hybrid threats.
During a 2025 Bundestag oversight hearing, intelligence chief Martin Jäger cautioned lawmakers that “we are already under fire today” and that Moscow “will not shy away from direct military confrontation with NATO if necessary.”
The suspect is expected to appear before an investigating judge at the Federal Court of Justice on Wednesday, who will decide whether he remains in pre-trial detention.