18.06.2026 17:12
The German domestic intelligence report revealed that the most active foreign intelligence services in Berlin are Russia, Iran, China, and Turkey. The report highlighted the intense activities of MIT, while also noting the monitoring of the terrorist organizations PKK and DHKP-C's presence in Berlin, as well as Turkish nationalist movements.
During the Cold War years, Berlin was at the center of intelligence wars, and it maintains this characteristic today.
MIT IS AMONG THE MOST EFFECTIVE INTELLIGENCE SERVICES IN BERLIN
A report recently released by German intelligence to the public reveals striking information about the activities carried out by foreign services in Berlin today. The 140-page report lists the four most active foreign services in Germany's capital as Russian, Iranian, Chinese, and Turkish intelligence services.
The Berlin Office for the Protection of the Constitution (LfV Berlin), responsible for domestic intelligence in the state, shared interesting details about counterintelligence activities in its annual report.
In the introductory section of the report, Berlin State Interior Minister Iris Spranger stated that the capital is at the focus of foreign intelligence services.
Spranger warned, "The threat potential from espionage and possible sabotage activities remains high."
Michael Fischer, who heads the Berlin domestic intelligence agency, conveyed the prediction that "This situation will not change in the near future" and noted the following:
"The main actors of intelligence activities in Berlin are Russia, China, Iran, and Turkey. The intelligence agencies of these countries have a broad range of operations, including classic espionage activities as well as disinformation campaigns, cyber attacks, and sabotage actions."
"RUSSIA'S THREAT POTENTIAL IS HIGH"
In the seventh chapter of the report titled "Counterintelligence and Economic Security," the activities of Russian, Iranian, Chinese, and Turkish intelligence agencies in Berlin are examined in detail.
It is stated that these countries conduct both overt and covert intelligence operations, and that the tools they use encompass a wide spectrum from influence and disinformation to sabotage and cyber attacks.
The German domestic intelligence report says, "Foreign intelligence services target individuals seen as enemies or adversaries in their own countries."
It emphasizes that the proliferation of information technology has also transformed espionage methods, and cyber espionage and cyber attacks have become standard tools for intelligence agencies.
The longest section is dedicated to the intelligence activities of Russia, which Germany sees as a "threat" and accuses of sabotage and disinformation.
It is noted that the activities of Russian intelligence services have increased both in quantity and quality in recent years, and sabotage actions aimed at disrupting information technology infrastructure have also risen.
The report states that Russian intelligence tried to influence the German public ahead of last year's early general elections in Germany.
It is reported that this aimed to undermine trust in democratic institutions and processes while fueling reactions against parties that support aid to Ukraine and sanctions against Russia.
In its report, the Berlin domestic intelligence agency also shares information about the activities of Turkish intelligence, following Iran and China.
"MIT" FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF GERMAN INTELLIGENCE
The report states that the National Intelligence Organization (MIT) is active in Berlin with not only declared intelligence officers stationed at diplomatic missions but also numerous undeclared personnel, conducting very intensive intelligence activities.
Noting that MIT "has comprehensive executive and enforcement powers," the report includes the statement, "MIT constitutes a central element of the Turkish security architecture."
It is stated that MIT's intelligence activities primarily target the PKK and its affiliates, and it adds, "MIT's intelligence and surveillance activities also encompass regime opponents, such as supporters of the group called the 'Gülen Movement'."
Another finding in the report is that MIT "actively seeks to gain the support of Turkish citizens loyal to the state and government, as well as citizens of Turkish origin," as part of its intelligence gathering activities.
It is reported that MIT's website includes a communication form through which information can be shared, which "makes it possible to report individuals and organizations considered enemies by the Turkish state administration."
The German domestic intelligence report states, "As a result of such reports, restrictive measures may be taken during passport control when entering or leaving Turkey. For example, the individuals concerned may face accusations of terrorist propaganda."
BBC Turkish contacted MIT regarding the report but received no response.
"PKK IN BERLIN DID NOT DISTANCE ITSELF FROM TERRORISM"
The report by the Berlin Office for the Protection of the Constitution also includes interesting information about the PKK and DHKP-C, which are classified as terrorist organizations in Germany and whose activities are banned.
It is noted that the PKK has 1,100 supporters and the DHKP-C has 30 supporters in Berlin.
German intelligence shares the following two observations about the PKK, which announced the end of its armed struggle and the dissolution of its organizational structure with the initiation of the so-called "Solution Process" aimed at a "Terror-Free Turkey":
"After the PKK announced it would cease armed struggle and disband, no indication was seen that PKK supporters in Berlin had distanced themselves from the PKK's terrorist activities.
"It remains uncertain whether PKK supporters in Berlin will embrace the peace process and become involved in it."
The report notes that the DHKP-C, classified as a "far-left and terrorist organization," has shown a presence in Berlin, particularly in anti-Israel protests and during a hunger strike in front of the Egyptian Embassy in Berlin.
GERMAN INTELLIGENCE ALSO MONITORS TURKISH NATIONALIST MOVEMENTS
The report also shares findings about groups described as "ultra-nationalist" originating from Turkey, which are monitored by German intelligence.
The "Ülkücü Movement" (Grey Wolves), one of the Turkey-linked political movements monitored by German domestic intelligence, is described in the report as "far-right, nationalist, and prone to violence," and it is stated to have 460 supporters in Berlin.
It is noted that the movement's ideology "is based on extreme nationalism and a claim of superiority over other ethnic groups, nations, and religious communities," and that "racist and anti-Semitic argument patterns and enemy constructs form part of the ideological core of the movement."
It is stated that this ideology "contradicts the principles of human dignity and equality."
It is also noted that far-right individuals of Turkish origin, independent of this movement, are active in Berlin.
This group is said to conduct propaganda on social media against politicians who criticize Turkey, media workers, supporters of Kurdish groups, as well as against Jews and Israel.