Former German officer sentenced for espionage in favor of Russia

A former officer in the German Armed Forces, identified as Thomas H., 54, has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison for espionage after he was found guilty of sharing classified military information with the Russian consulate, the German broadcaster DW reported on May 27.

The Düsseldorf Higher Regional Court concluded that Thomas H., who served as a captain in the Bundeswehr’s supply service, had engaged in activities detrimental to national security. He was arrested in August 2023 following his attempts to deliver sensitive information to the Russian general consulate in Bonn and the Russian embassy in Berlin.

Prosecutors detailed that Thomas H. had photographed old training documents related to munitions systems and aircraft technology, which he then discreetly dropped into the letterbox of the Russian consulate in Bonn.

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During his trial, Thomas H. expressed that his decision to spy for Russia stemmed from fears of a potential escalation in the war in Ukraine, which he believed might threaten Germany. He testified that he aimed to secure early warnings of a possible nuclear escalation to protect his family.

Reflecting on his actions, Thomas H. admitted in his closing statement to the court, "It's the biggest cock-up I've ever made in my life."

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