Russian Intelligence-Linked Espionage Arrests in Germany and Spain Targeting Ukraine Drone Supplier

In March 2026, the German Federal Prosecutor's Office announced the arrest of two suspects— a 45-year-old Romanian woman in Rheine, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, and a 43-year-old Ukrainian man in Elda, Spain— suspected of conducting espionage on behalf of a Russian intelligence service. The target of their surveillance was a German man who supplies drones and drone components to Ukraine. The Ukrainian suspect began spying activities in December 2025 by gathering online information and filming the target's workplace. Following his move to Spain, the Romanian woman took over the operation from March 2026, including filming the target's private residence with a mobile phone. Authorities suspect these actions were preparatory steps for further intelligence operations against the individual. The investigation involves German federal agencies such as the Bavarian State Criminal Police and the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution.