Description: German security services have investigated the unsuspecting wave of vandalism in several regions within the country. More than 270 cars were severely damaged by vandals across Berlin, Brandenburg and Bavaria which mostly pertained to members of Germany’s Green Party. German investigators discovered that the attacks have been orchestrated by Russian intelligence services as part of their hybrid war against Europe aimed to disrupt EU countries and their support of Ukraine. Several perpetrators have been arrested where evidence was discovered that they have been recruited mostly through Viber for a sum that ranged from 100 euros up to a couple of thousand euros. The saboteurs mostly originated from Serbia, Bosnia and Hercegovina and Germany.
Impact: With crucial elections in Germany around the corner and the rise of the far – right AfD in the country, German security services should be expected to severely amp up counterintelligence measures. Russian sabotage attacks if unchallenged could potentially dictate the political climate in the upcoming years not just in Germany but also across Europe. Intelligence and counterintelligence cooperation should be substantially solidified between EU and NATO countries in order to effectively and efficiently counter Russian hybrid war methods and sources.