German prosecutors have charged a 57-year-old businesswoman from Berlin with conducting espionage for Russia. Ilona W., who holds both German and Ukrainian citizenship, is accused of collaborating with the intelligence service of a foreign power, according to the Federal Prosecutor’s Office.
She was arrested on 21 January and is currently in pre-trial detention.
Prosecutors allege that Ilona W. operated a marketing agency in Berlin and led a lobbying association, giving her extensive connections in military and political sectors. From at least October 2023, she reportedly communicated with a Russian intelligence officer stationed at the Russian Embassy in Berlin.
The indictment claims she provided him with information about significant events and facilitated his access to these gatherings, sometimes under a false identity.
Ilona W. is also alleged to have attended various events to identify potential contacts and targets and attempted to recruit individuals from Germany’s Defence Ministry and the arms industry. She sought information regarding German defence policy and the arms sector for her Russian contact, especially in relation to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Charges were filed last week with the state security division of Berlin’s Higher Regional Court. Following Ilona W.’s arrest, Germany expelled the Russian intelligence officer linked to the case, which prompted a retaliatory expulsion of a German diplomat by Moscow.
