According to the Federal Government, the alleged espionage case in the Federal Intelligence Service is “very serious”.

Deputy government spokeswoman Christiane Hoffmann said on Wednesday in Berlin that the investigative authorities would be given comprehensive support in clarifying the matter.

"The Federal Chancellery and the Federal Chancellor were involved in this case at an early stage."

Hoffmann did not give any further details, citing the ongoing investigation.

It is very important that nothing becomes public that could give the Russian side the opportunity to gain insights.

According to Spiegel information, the tip should have come from a partner state.

Before Christmas, an employee of the Federal Intelligence Service was arrested on suspicion of treason.

He is suspected of having passed secret information to the Russian intelligence service.

The federal prosecutor announced that the content was a state secret within the meaning of the Criminal Code.

civil servant in the higher service

According to ARD information, this is a senior civil servant who works in the group management of technical reconnaissance (TA).

The arrested employee came to the BND from the Bundeswehr a few years ago, has the military rank of colonel and works in the old BND headquarters in Pullach near Munich and in the new office in Berlin.

So far, the man had not been conspicuous.

But then he came under suspicion because he had repeatedly requested secret documents from a colleague.

On December 21, the man was arrested in Berlin.

The investigators searched his Berlin apartment and his office in the BND headquarters as well as his house near Munich.

Investigators say it is certain that BND information was sent to a Russian secret service.

Among them is said to have been material about the methods used by the BND to investigate Russia.

On the other hand, secrets of foreign partner services have not been disclosed.

According to the Criminal Code, treason can be punished with a prison sentence of at least five years or even life imprisonment in particularly serious cases like this one.

According to previously unconfirmed information from the "Spiegel", the alleged spy was unmasked by a tip from a foreign intelligence service.