The suspect -- identified only as Werner Franz G. -- is accused of providing "predominantly civil but also military" information to an "agent of a Russian intelligence service," the Munich state court said late last week without being more specific.
The mechanical engineer is accused of receiving 13,000 euros ($20,000) in exchange for documents, handbooks and other information for "technical products," the court said, adding that the information concerned "primarily civilian-use helicopters."
He is accused of repeated meetings with the intelligence contact in Germany and Austria arranged primarily through anonymous e-mail accounts. Prosecutors charged the man with activity as a foreign agent on March 3 and at the time said he had admitted to the charges.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.