German intelligence agencies BND and BfV report rising Russian espionage attempts with increased security measures including armed patrols. Suspicious Chechen individuals and drone overflights near BND headquarters heighten threat perception amid legislative reforms to expand BND security powers.

The German Federal Intelligence Service (BND) and the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) have reported an increase in suspected espionage attempts, primarily from Russian intelligence services. Incidents include suspicious individuals, often from the Chechen community, appearing repeatedly near the BND headquarters in Berlin under dubious pretenses, such as claiming to have lost their way while allegedly searching for a nearby military hospital. These actions have raised suspicions of attempts to probe security measures or intimidate personnel. Security has been heightened with patrols by armed guards equipped with machine pistols, increased internal warnings for vigilance, and physical security enhancements such as laser-protected windows. There have also been reports of drone overflights, suspicious vehicles, and attempts to breach fences at BND training facilities. Employees have noticed being followed and engaged in strange conversations, indicating intensified efforts at surveillance and probing by adversaries. The BND is also concerned about its out-of-berlin facilities, some of which are considered less secure and in need of upgrades. A new legislative proposal aims to strengthen BND powers, including autonomous drone defense. Meanwhile, the BfV introduced a trained explosive-detecting dog to enhance security. The article highlights the tense environment facing German intelligence amid the ongoing Ukrainian conflict and increased Russian espionage threats, combined with internal challenges such as the recent spy scandal involving a former BND official accused of leaking secrets to Russia's FSB.