Detainment for Intelligence Operations and Belonging to the Foreign Terrorist Organization, 'Donetsk People's Republic (DPRK)'

Yesterday, April 17, 2024, a new arrest warrant was issued for Dieter S., accused of membership in a foreign terrorist organization and the preparation of a serious act of violence endangering the state. The arrest warrants were issued by the investigating judge of the Federal Court of Justice.

The arrests were made by officers of the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) involved in the investigation. Dieter S. and another German-Russian national, Alexander J., were arrested in Bayreuth on April 9 and 11, 2024, respectively. The residences and workplaces of the suspects were searched with the support of the Bavarian State Criminal Police Office.

The suspicion against Dieter S. is based on his alleged activity as a fighter in an armed unit of the "People's Republic of Donetsk" between December 2014 and September 2016, and his possession of a firearm in this context. The PRD is a pro-Russian organization that claimed control over the Ukrainian administrative region of Donetsk with the aim of seceding from Ukraine and engaged in intense clashes with Ukrainian forces.

Investigations have revealed that Dieter S. discussed possible acts of sabotage in the Federal Republic of Germany, aimed at undermining military support for Ukraine. He is also suspected of having offered to carry out explosive and arson attacks, primarily targeting military infrastructure and industrial sites in Germany. Dieter S. personally scouted some of the targeted locations, taking photos and videos, for example, of military transports and equipment.

Dieter S. had been in contact with a person linked to a Russian intelligence agency since at least October 2023. The investigation is related to a case involving a foreign intelligence service.

Alexander J. is accused of having been active for a foreign intelligence service in a particularly serious case (§ 99 Abs. 1 and 2 StGB). His appearance before the investigating judge of the Federal Court of Justice will take place today, April 18, 2024. It's important to note that there are no search results indicating that Alexander J. was suspected of belonging to any terrorist organization at the time of his arrest in 2024.

The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Prosecutor's Office. Dieter S. is also suspected of having been active for a foreign intelligence service in a particularly serious case. The arrests took place in Karlsruhe.

This is a developing story and more information will be released as it becomes available. The public is reminded to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.