Taurus wiretapping scandal – This mistake was a real hit for the Russians

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

Leak was based in Singapore
A participant connected from Singapore and did not follow the required dial-in procedure. Pistorius explicitly emphasized that, contrary to claims to the contrary, “no unauthorized person” took part in the telephone conference.

Brigadier General Frank Gräfe visited an aviation exhibition in Singapore on February 19. The officer called the secret telephone exchange of the Bundeswehr via an “open connection”. For the Russians it was a “good thing”. Pistorius explained: ‘It was a mistake, a serious mistake.’ However, the consequences were ‘manageable’.

All devices have been checked
The risk is especially high if “someone does not show the care that is needed”. According to Pistorius, all devices are now being forensically examined. In addition, it is examined whether all topics discussed at 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.

But he also emphasized: “Personal consequences are not on the agenda at this time.” Pistorius explained that he would “not sacrifice any of my best officers to Putin’s games.”

“No annoyance” with allies
Despite the global criticism, Pistorius does not have the impression that allies now distrust Germany. The Minister of Defense noted “no irritation” during the crisis discussions. The conclusion from the previous reviews is: “Certified systems are safe when used correctly.”

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser underlined the willingness of the German secret services to defend themselves. “We have further stepped up our protective measures against espionage and disinformation and are continuously responding to current developments,” the SPD politician told the newspapers of media group Funke (Tuesday).

“Putin’s propaganda apparatus wants to discredit our state, manipulate opinion formation and divide our society. Putin will not succeed in all 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 major focus of counterintelligence.