Berlin Businesswoman Charged with Espionage for Russia
German federal prosecutors have charged a 57-year-old businesswoman from Berlin with conducting intelligence activities on behalf of Russia. Ilona W., who holds both German and Ukrainian citizenship, is accused of collaborating with a foreign intelligence service, as stated by the Federal Prosecutor's Office. She was arrested on January 21 and is currently in pre-trial detention.
Ilona W. operated a marketing agency in Berlin and chaired a lobbying association, which provided her with extensive connections in military and political circles. Prosecutors allege that she was in contact with a full-time Russian intelligence officer stationed at the Russian Embassy in Berlin since at least October 2023. The indictment claims that she provided him with information about significant events and facilitated his access to influential individuals, sometimes using a false identity.
The objective of these interactions was reportedly to enable the Russian intelligence officer to expand his network for intelligence purposes. Additionally, Ilona W. is accused of attending events to identify potential contacts and targets for recruitment. She allegedly attempted to recruit individuals from Germany's Defense Ministry and the arms industry while seeking information on German defense policy, particularly in relation to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Intelligence Reviewed
The charges were filed last week with the state security division of Berlin's Higher Regional Court. Following W.'s arrest, Germany expelled the suspected Russian intelligence officer involved in the case, which led to a retaliatory expulsion of a German diplomat by Moscow.
