The German government issued a visa to a Russian suspected of espionage, – Spiegel
The German government issued an entry visa to a Russian suspected of espionage, despite the objections of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) and the special services of another European country
Spiegel writes about it.
The Russian, who the services classify as a spy, first applied for a visa in Moscow in July. At the same time, he presented an invitation from the Russian Consulate General in Leipzig. During the review, the objections of the special services were immediately noticed, and his application was rejected.
During the negotiations on the accreditation of employees of the German embassy in Russia, the Russian side reportedly raised this issue again and asked for a new review. In August, the man filed a new application.
During the second attempt, the German consular department no longer noticed suspicions of espionage, so the visa was granted. According to an internal investigation, the BfV’s warning was ignored due to an error.
Meanwhile, as reported, the mistake was recognized and the visa was cancelled.
The publication notes that such a situation became possible, among other things, thanks to the fact that the German Foreign Ministry wanted to accredit diplomats in Moscow. And Germany itself should accredit Russian diplomats in Germany.
It is believed that the accidental issuance of the visa was connected with the desire to express gratitude to the Russian side. The very fact that Germany continues to accredit Russian diplomats is viewed with suspicion in some countries.
