German federal prosecutors have filed charges against a German-Ukrainian woman suspected of working on behalf of Russian intelligence. The woman, identified as Ilona W. under German privacy laws, is accused of maintaining contact with a Russian Embassy intelligence officer in Berlin since at least October 2023.
Prosecutors stated that Ilona W. operated a marketing agency in Berlin and chaired a lobbying group, which afforded her access to extensive networks within military and political circles. Over several years, she allegedly supplied the intelligence officer with information about high-profile events, facilitating his attendance sometimes under false pretenses. This assistance was intended to help the officer build his own intelligence network, according to the prosecutor's office.
She also reportedly attended events to identify potential contacts and targets. Authorities further allege that the defendant attempted to recruit individuals from Germany's Ministry of Defense and its defense industry.
Investigators believe Ilona W. sought information on German defense policy and the defense industry on behalf of her contact at the Russian Embassy, particularly in the context of Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine. The woman was arrested in January and the charges were filed on September 6. She remains in pretrial detention.