The Berlin trial began this week amid intense secrecy and heightened security, focusing on a federal official accused of spying for a foreign power and leaking sensitive documents to Russia. The case has already raised questions about the integrity of Germany’s intelligence services. The backdrop is the broader load bear by Berlin as it pledged steadfast support to Kyiv, including humanitarian aid and military assistance, in a stark show of solidarity with Ukraine. Two defendants face the charges, Carsten L. and Arthur E., though public attention centers on the first due to his role as a suspected mole within the headquarters of the Federal Intelligence Service, known as the BND. Prosecutors allege the official was paid a total of 450,000 euros for his services, while the other defendant received 400,000 euros from Russian sources.
Among the compromised materials were documents that the official allegedly handed to a contact who then forwarded them to Russian authorities. The Russian security service, the FSB, formerly known as the KGB, is said to have been involved in this exchange. The case also involves intelligence activity linked to the Kremlin’s Wagner Group, a mercenary unit that has been active in the conflict against Ukraine. While the espionage activities were being monitored, the trajectory shifted when the leak from Carsten L. to Arthur E. reached Moscow, undermining Western surveillance capabilities that tracked the group’s movements. It is noted that Western allies had to warn Germany about the actions, rather than notices arising from the BND alone.
In total, nine documents are alleged to have been delivered to the contact. The material was transmitted to Moscow through an intermediary described as a businessperson of unknown identity. ARD reports that two separate deliveries were made. The reconstruction of events relies heavily on statements attributed to Arthur E., while Carsten L. has remained silent as the proceedings continue.
meeting at the barbecue
According to the timeline, the official and his contact first connected at a barbecue in 2021. Both men had previously served in the German Army. Carsten L. later worked in the technical oversight division at the BND headquarters in Pullach, Bavaria. Arthur E. was involved in the jewelry and precious stones business, and a year after their initial meeting, sensitive documents were allegedly exchanged at a gathering near Lake Starnberger See in Bavaria, a region famed for its scenic beauty. The case thus weaves together personal histories with national security concerns, illustrating how personal ties can intersect with state secrets.
ARD characterizes the affair as almost cinematic, with the trial opening surrounded by staged performances and tight security that may extend the proceedings through next July. Germany imposes strict controls on press access during the early phase of hearings, and cameras are often kept out of the courtroom as lawyers, prosecutors, and judges take their places. Media access is limited, and those allowed inside must surrender mobile devices, laptops, and even writing instruments to enter. The atmosphere reflects a balance between ensuring fair proceedings and maintaining confidentiality in a high-stakes case that touches on foreign interference and national sovereignty. The ongoing investigation continues to unfold, with authorities emphasizing the seriousness of disclosing state secrets and the potential ramifications for Germany’s intelligence framework and its international partners (ARD).