On December 21, he was detained in Berlin high-ranking BND official Karsten L. (his last name is not disclosed). According to investigators, he passed on secret information about the war with Ukraine to Russian intelligence. Moreover, Karsten could transfer to Russia not only German intelligence, but also secrets from American and British intelligence. This was found out by the German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung, as well as the publications WDR and NDR.
Colonel Karsten L. worked in the department Technical reconnaissance (Technischen Aufklärung) German intelligence (BND). This unit reports directly to the German Chancellor and is responsible for monitoring telephone, internet and satellite communications all over the world. It is considered the flagship of the service, including at the international level. It is believed that almost half of the BND’s daily reports comes from this department. Moreover, this department is responsible for cooperation with other intelligence agencies, for example, the American NSA or the British GCHQ. Apparently, Karsten had access to their secret information.
The “mole” in German intelligence became known several months ago, when secret information from the German intelligence services suddenly found itself at the disposal of Moscow. Since then, the BND has been conducting an internal investigation. A few weeks ago, suspicions fell on Karsten – he persistently demanded from his colleague reports on Russia and the war with Ukrainewhich he did not need due to the nature of his service. The colonel’s house in Munich was searched. He is now in jail. If the charges are confirmed, he faces life imprisonment.
Also suspected of spying for Russia another BND employee, but she remains at large for now.
Investigators have not yet been able to fully assess the damage from the leaks, but the trust of partners in German intelligence has definitely been undermined – it has long been called too friendly to the Kremlin.
“ВЧК ОГПУ”