Alleged Russian intelligence plot targeting Ukrainian veteran in Frankfurt
May 2024 · Germany · Charged
German federal prosecutors charged three men (an Armenian, a Ukrainian and a Russian national) with acting for a Russian intelligence service by trying to lure a Ukrainian army veteran living in Germany to a Frankfurt café in 2024 to identify and surveil him. Prosecutors said the operation was presumably preparation for further intelligence operations, 'possibly even leading to killing'. The men were arrested in June 2024; trial began in December 2025.
Established by. German Federal Prosecutor, indictment of 16 May 2025 (announced 28 May 2025): Vardges I. allegedly received the order from a Russian intelligence service in early May 2024 and recruited Robert A. and Arman S. Trial opened 9 Dec 2025.
Latest. Trial under way since December 2025; no verdict located as of Oct 2026.
Link to the war against Ukraine. The target had fought in Ukraine's armed forces after February 2022.
Open in the interactive hub → ↑ Beyond Ukraine
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