Rheinmetall-CEO enjoys similar protection as Scholz
Armin Papperger unfazed by revealed attack plans against him. He has felt safe. This was not the first attempt against the defense industry CEO, nor the first Russian sabotage attempts in Germany.
Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall's management board, remains unperturbed by the attack plans against him. "I always feel safe," he told the "Financial Times". "I am a very lucky man." He seems to be justified in feeling that way. A person familiar with the matter told the newspaper that Papperger enjoys a similar level of protection as Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The security measures are at the highest level.
Papperger himself stated that Berlin has created a high level of security around his person. He could not confirm the details of the known attack plans, but believes the CNN report's depiction is accurate. The Russian government reportedly planned an attack on Papperger in early 2023, the head of the defense conglomerate who supplies tanks and artillery shells to Ukraine. The sender cited five government representatives from the US and Germany. When the US learned of the plans, they reportedly informed the German government. German intelligence services allegedly thwarted the plot. A German government official confirmed this to the sender.
This was not the first attack on the CEO. In the past, there was an arson attack on Papperger's garden shed. He has been receiving personal protection for some time. Rheinmetall is one of the largest European suppliers of tank technology and artillery projectiles for the Ukraine and, according to its own statement, the largest manufacturer of artillery ammunition in the western world. In June, Rheinmetall opened a repair workshop for armored vehicles in western Ukraine. Plans also exist for producing new tanks.
Faeser: Taking significantly increased threat very seriously
Meanwhile, Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser emphasized the determination of German security agencies: "We do not comment on individual threat situations," said the SPD politician. "But it's clear: We take the significantly increased threat from Russian aggression very seriously." We are working together with international partners and the security agencies of the countries to protect Germany and thwart Putin's plans.
Putin's regime aims to undermine Ukraine's support, Faeser explained. "But we will not be intimidated." Security measures have been significantly increased in the face of Russian threats over the past two years. "Threats range from espionage, sabotage, and cyberattacks to state terrorism."
Faeser reminded of two possible sabotage attempts that the German intelligence services had prevented in April. Two men were arrested in Bavaria, accused of planning sabotage actions, particularly against German support for Ukraine in the war against Russia. "Our security agencies have acted decisively and prevented potential bombing attacks in Germany," Faeser said. "We will continue to do everything to prevent Russian threats in Germany."
Armin Papperger's safety is a priority even in light of Politics, with Nancy Faeser emphasizing the increased threat from Russian aggression. Faeser, the Federal Interior Minister, acknowledged attempts of sabotage, including a foiled plot against Rheinmetall, the company where Papperger serves as CEO, supplying weapons to Ukraine.
