German prosecutors arrest suspected Russian spies over auto industry secrets
A couple living in Germany for two decades were arrested on suspicion of passing automotive trade secrets to Russian intelligence, with links to major parts supplier Faurecia.
German authorities arrested a married couple in Michelbach on suspicion of passing sensitive automotive industry information to Russian intelligence. The couple, identified as Andreas and Heidrun Anschlag, had lived in Germany for around 20 years, with Andreas reportedly working for the parts supplier Faurecia.
German prosecutors said the couple were detained on accusations of spying for a foreign intelligence service, widely reported to be Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR). Media reports indicated that Andreas Anschlag, 45, had worked for Faurecia, which supplies components to several major carmakers, including Volkswagen, Renault, Toyota and Ford. Investigators believe he used his position to access and pass on trade secrets.
The couple entered Germany using fake passports and established themselves as a family, even raising a daughter who is now a university student. The investigation alleges that they maintained their cover for two decades, with Heidrun reportedly caught by authorities while listening to encrypted shortwave radio messages from Russia, a method described by experts as unusual in the internet age.
Suspected industrial espionage at Faurecia
Faurecia is one of Germany’s most prominent automotive suppliers, providing interior systems, seating and emissions control technologies to leading manufacturers. The suspicion is that Andreas Anschlag’s role at Faurecia gave him access to confidential information, which prosecutors allege was passed to Russian handlers.
Neither Faurecia nor the carmakers involved have commented publicly on the potential impact of the breach. The scope of the information allegedly stolen has not been disclosed, but the case highlights the risk of industrial espionage in the automotive supply chain. German suppliers, with their close ties to global manufacturers, remain a target for intelligence agencies seeking competitive and technical information.
Espionage methods and previous cases
Heidrun Anschlag was reportedly intercepted while receiving encrypted radio messages from Russia, a method that surprised investigators given the availability of more modern communication channels. Some Russian sources have claimed the couple had retired from active espionage and may have served as intermediaries, but German prosecutors maintain that the pair were actively involved in passing on secrets.
This arrest follows earlier incidents involving alleged Russian attempts to obtain sensitive German technology. In 2008, a German helicopter engineer received a suspended sentence for selling Eurocopter documents to an SVR agent. The Anschlag case is the latest in a series of espionage claims straining relations between German authorities and Russian intelligence.
The couple deny involvement in espionage. Prosecutors have not revealed what specific information may have been compromised, and the investigation is ongoing. The case underlines the ongoing threat of state-directed industrial espionage in the automotive sector, particularly where suppliers are closely linked to multiple manufacturers.
