Raid in Kiel: Suspicion of espionage against Russian cargo ship Scanlark!

Raid in Kiel: Suspicion of espionage against Russian cargo ship Scanlark!

Kiel is currently the focus of security authorities after special police forces searched the cargo ship “Scanlark” at the beginning of September. The investigation is directed against five Russian nationals who are suspected of carrying out spy activities with sabotaging intentions. In particular, there is suspicion of drone espionage that may be connected to the ship. Welt reports that a variety of evidence such as cameras, papers and data carriers were seized during the search, but no drone was found.

The investigation was launched after a drone spied on a German navy ship at the end of August. The cargo ship “Scanlark” stayed in the Kiel Fjord for several days and initially left German territorial waters after the incident before returning to the coast of Lower Saxony. Due to technical deficiencies, the ship's further journey in the northern port of the Kiel Canal remains prohibited while the police and public prosecutor's office continue to investigate drone sightings over critical facilities in northern Germany.

Cooperation of the authorities

The collaboration between security experts and the authorities from Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein plays a crucial role. Henrik Schilling, security expert at the Institute for Security Policy at the Christian Albrechts University in Kiel, describes the operation as an important step in the defense against hybrid warfare. This type of drone espionage is not new; Since the Ukraine conflict, there have been increasing sightings of Russian drones spying on military transport routes and NATO bases. Schilling highlights that the extension of territorial waters gives authorities increased powers to monitor and prevent such activities. [NDR].

Another aspect is the need to clarify the legal framework for defending against drones. In Germany, the state police are responsible for drone defense outside of airfields, while the federal police are responsible at the airports. This complex legal situation is increasingly being questioned, especially after the Danish government had to close the airspace over Aalborg at the beginning of September due to similar drone incidents. These incidents underline the importance of creating a common legal framework within the EU to counter hybrid threats. Ferner

Hybrid warfare tactics

Schilling explains that drone flights are not isolated incidents, but are part of a broader strategy aimed at spreading fear and uncertainty. Such actions put the effectiveness of the security forces to the test. He points out that effective protection of critical infrastructure involves all cooperation between authorities and operators in order to have a good hand in defending against such threats.

In the future, it will be crucial how Germany and neighboring countries, such as Denmark, respond to these challenges. The legal adjustments and technological upgrades to detect and contain drones will play a central role in keeping the country safe. The focus here is on the exchange between military and civilian authorities, which is essential to secure the coastal borders as best as possible.