Trial begins in Stuttgart on March 17, 2026, against three alleged 'disposable agents' accused of scouting transport routes for parcel bombs on behalf of a Russian intelligence service.

On March 17, 2026, Stuttgart court commenced the trial of three defendants accused of acting as 'disposable agents' for Russian intelligence, scouting transport routes for parcel bombs targeting the Ukrainian courier service Nova Post. The accused—Daniil B., Vladyslav T., and Yevhen B.—are alleged to have conspired to send tracked parcels that would later contain incendiary devices intended to cause damage either in Germany or Ukraine. Investigations link these activities to instructions from a recruiter in Mariupol connected to the Russian secret service. All three defendants are Ukrainians who had fled from Mariupol, with alleged recruitment and contact occurring via Telegram. Security agencies warn that such 'disposable agents' are often coerced or hired for low sums without realizing they serve intelligence interests. Similar sabotage attempts against Nova Post have been uncovered in other countries like Romania. The trial aims to establish the defendants' knowledge and intent regarding the sabotage plans, with some defendants denying awareness of any malintent. The case highlights ongoing covert sabotage efforts orchestrated by Russian intelligence within Europe.