Germany's Federal Prosecutor's Office announced charges Monday against a 57-year-old businesswoman from Berlin, identified as Ilona W., for allegedly conducting intelligence operations on behalf of Russia.
The woman holds both German and Ukrainian citizenship. According to prosecutors, she maintained contact with a Russian intelligence officer stationed at the Russian embassy in Berlin from at least October 2023 onward.
Ilona W. operated a marketing agency in Berlin and served as head of a lobbying organization. Through these positions, she developed extensive contacts within German military and political circles, prosecutors said.
The charges allege that she repeatedly provided the Russian intelligence officer with information about significant political and military events in Germany. She also allegedly facilitated access for the officer to attend such events, according to the prosecution.
Prosecutors further contend that the woman used a false name when attending various political gatherings in Germany. The charges also include allegations that she attempted to recruit former employees of Germany's Defense Ministry and representatives of the defense industry.
The woman was detained on January 21 and has remained in custody for more than six months. Following her arrest, Germany expelled a Russian embassy staff member on espionage charges. The Russian embassy characterized the accusations as a "provocation."
The charges relate to information connected to the conflict in Ukraine, according to German authorities. In early August, a separate case emerged when a 33-year-old Ukrainian national was arrested in Germany on suspicion of spying on a defense company.
Germany recently approved a reform of its intelligence services that grants them broader operational powers.