German Prosecutors Probe Espionage via Repeated Drone Flights Over Key Infrastructure

German prosecutors are investigating multiple drone flights over crucial infrastructure in northern Germany, suspecting espionage activities. These flights happened in a no-fly zone near a nuclear plant. The drones are believed to be Russian Orlan-10s. Germany remains vigilant about sabotage activities, especially since providing aid to Ukraine.

German prosecutors have launched an investigation into several drone flights over critical infrastructure in northern Germany, suspecting espionage activities, stated a prosecutor on Thursday.

The Flensburg public prosecutor's office has started a preliminary investigation on suspicion of 'agent activity for sabotage purposes' related to these repeated drone flights, according to senior public prosecutor Bernd Winterfeldt.

Winterfeldt refrained from giving further details due to matters of state security. Meanwhile, Bild newspaper revealed that an internal police report mentioned multiple violations of a no-fly zone over a nuclear power plant this month.

As per Bild, authorities from the Schleswig-Holstein state criminal police agency believe the unidentified drones might be Russian Orlan-10s, capable of covering 500-600 kilometers and flying over 100 kilometers per hour. The state police agency spokesperson declined to comment, directing inquiries to prosecutors.

Germany, a significant military aid supplier to Ukraine since Russia's 2022 invasion, has heightened its vigilance against sabotage activities. Recently, it sealed a military base over suspected contaminated tap water, which was a false alarm. In April, two German-Russian nationals were arrested for allegedly planning sabotage attacks aimed at disrupting military support for Ukraine. (Editing by Toby Chopra)

(With inputs from agencies.)