Taurus wiretapping scandal

This mistake was a “found food” for the Russians

The German Minister of Defense presented the initial results of the investigation.

(Bild: AFP)

How was Russia able to eavesdrop on a briefing of high-ranking Bundeswehr soldiers? German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) announced the initial results of the investigation on Tuesday. He reports a human error and not a technical one.

Pistorius rules out the possibility that the IT technology used was hacked by Russian spies; rather, the SPD man assumes it was a coincidence. The reason for the recording was an "individual application error", said the SPD minister when announcing the interim results of the internal investigation.

Leaker was based in Singapore
One participant had connected from Singapore and had not adhered to the prescribed dial-in procedure. Pistorius expressly emphasized that, contrary to speculation to the contrary, "no unauthorized person" had taken part in the telephone conference.

What happened?

• In the telephone call, Air Force Chief Ingo Gerhartz and Brigadier General Frank Gräfe spoke with two other Bundeswehr officers.
• They used the "WebEx" program, the recording is 38 minutes long.
• The officers discussed the possible deployment of Taurus cruise missiles in Ukraine.
• German Chancellor Olaf Scholz refuses to deliver the Taurus to Ukraine.

Brigadier General Frank Gräfe visited an air show in Singapore on February 19. The officer had dialed into the secret Bundeswehr circuit via an "open connection". For the Russians, this was a "found food". Pistorius explained: "It was a mistake, a serious mistake." However, the consequences were "manageable."

All devices are checked
The risk is particularly high if "someone does not exercise the care that would be necessary". According to Pistorius, all devices will now be forensically examined. It will also be examined whether all the topics discussed in the conference should have been discussed in this way. The initiation of disciplinary proceedings is still open and depends on the further results of the investigation.

However, he also emphasized: "Personal consequences are not currently on the agenda." He would "not sacrifice any of my best officers to Putin's games", emphasized Pistorius.

"No anger" among allies
Despite the worldwide criticism, Pistorius does not have the impression that allies now distrust Germany. The Defense Minister had "not perceived any annoyance" in the crisis talks. The conclusion of the reviews to date is: "Certified systems are safe when used correctly."

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser emphasized the preparedness of German intelligence services. "We have continued to ramp up our protective measures against espionage and disinformation and are constantly reacting to current developments," the SPD politician told the Funke Mediengruppe newspapers (Tuesday).

"Putin's propaganda apparatus wants to discredit our state, manipulate opinion and divide our society. Putin will not succeed in any of this," she emphasized. Counterintelligence at the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution has been significantly strengthened in terms of personnel and technology. Combating the activities of Russian intelligence services remains a key focus of counterintelligence.