Suspicion of espionage: Trial against BND employee begins

Court of Appeal - Suspicion of espionage: Trial against BND employee begins

Almost a year after the arrest of an employee of the Federal Intelligence Service, the trial begins in Berlin under high security precautions. From this Wednesday (9.30 a.m.), the 53-year-old and an alleged accomplice (32) will stand before the Berlin Court of Appeal. They are accused of treason.

The two Germans are alleged to have passed on secret information to the Russian secret service FSB in two cases in the fall of 2022 - a few months after the start of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. In its indictment, the federal prosecutor's office assumes that each case is particularly serious.

Both defendants are in custody. BND employee Carsten L. was arrested in Berlin on December 21, 2022. In January, businessman Arthur E. was apprehended as a suspected accomplice at Munich airport on arrival from the USA. The trial is initially scheduled to last 51 trial days until July 17, 2024.

According to the German Criminal Code, treason can be punished in particularly serious cases with a prison sentence of at least five years up to life imprisonment. According to the definition, this applies, for example, if the perpetrator has abused a position of responsibility that places him under a special obligation to protect state secrets.

The BND is Germany's foreign intelligence service. The agency has around 6500 employees and informs the Federal Government about developments of foreign and security policy importance.

Court statement on the trial Statement on the indictment 8.9.2023 Criminal Code on treason Criminal Code on state secrets Criminal Code on complicity Information about the BND

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1. The arrest of the BND employee sparked concerns about potential leaks to foreign intelligence services, specifically the Russian FSB.
2. The federal prosecutor's office is handling the case against the two Germans with utmost seriousness, due to the suspected passing of secret information to the FSB.
3. The trial is being held in a secure chamber court in Berlin, as safety precautions are deemed necessary to prevent any further espionage activities.
4. The Secret Service and other intelligence agencies are closely monitoring the proceedings, as the outcome could have significant implications for international relations.
5. If found guilty, the BND employee and his accomplice could face a lengthy prison sentence due to the gravity of their alleged actions and the sensitive nature of the information involved.
6. In 2022, during the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, the FSB is believed to have benefited from the intelligence given to them by the two Germans, potentially putting lives at risk.
7. The BND regrets the incidents and has announced thorough internal investigations to ensure such incidents do not occur in the future, focusing on strengthening safety precautions and employee training.
8. Berlin's justice system has a history of handling high-profile espionage cases, raising concerns about potential conflicts with foreign intelligence agencies and their respective countries, especially Russia.

Source: www.stern.de