Russia is reportedly utilizing organized crime (OC) for sabotage and targeted killings, as stated by the Federal Ministry of the Interior in response to a parliamentary inquiry from the Greens. The ministry notes that collaboration is particularly advantageous for disruptive activities. The Russian-Eurasian Organized Crime (REOC) is largely beyond the Kremlin's control, which increases the risk of close cooperation.
Marcel Emmerich, interior expert of the Greens parliamentary group, described the connections between the Russian state and organized crime as a serious threat to Germany's security. He calls for a robust security offensive from the Federal Government to counter this dangerous development.
Federal security authorities have registered numerous suspected cases of possible sabotage actions commissioned by the Russian state. However, it is often difficult to identify the actual perpetrators. Additionally, Russia is increasingly employing so-called low-level agents who are recruited online and lack professional intelligence training.
The Federal Government holds Russia responsible for numerous sabotage actions and disinformation campaigns. One example is the murder of an exiled Georgian in Berlin in 2019, which was carried out on behalf of the Kremlin. A suspected attack on a DHL package at Leipzig's cargo airport in July 2024 is also attributed to the Russian military intelligence service.
