Germany’s Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), the country’s domestic intelligence agency, released its 2023 report on June 18th, 2024. The report assesses the country’s security situation as “at risk,” with a particular focus on threats posed by extremist groups.
Cybersecurity Concerns
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser emphasized the dangers of cyberattacks and espionage by foreign powers during the report’s presentation. Russia, China, and Iran were identified as the main culprits in these activities, particularly regarding cyberattacks and spreading disinformation.
Extremist Activity on the Rise
The BfV report highlights a significant increase in the number of extremists in Germany, including those who support violence. BfV President Thomas Haldenwang specifically pointed to Islamist and far-right extremist groups as posing a growing threat. The report also notes a rise in anti-Semitic crimes linked to the Middle East conflict and increased activity by new right-wing organizations.
Threats from Iran
A dedicated section of the report addresses threats emanating from the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Ministry of Intelligence and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) are pinpointed as the primary Iranian institutions engaging in activities hostile to Germany. These activities include targeting Iranian dissident groups based in Germany, with the report alleging the presence of active Quds Force members within the country.
The BfV report further accuses Iranian security services of employing “state terrorist tools” to achieve their goals, such as intimidation, discrediting opponents, and even “punishment of traitors.” The report goes on to claim that Iranian intelligence has conducted kidnapping operations since 2019, targeting high-ranking members of the Iranian opposition and attempting to transport them back to Iran. German citizens of Iranian descent are also warned of potential kidnapping risks, especially when traveling to countries bordering Iran.
Concerns Regarding the Hamburg Islamic Center
The BfV report raises concerns about Islamic centers with close ties to Iran, specifically mentioning the Hamburg Islamic Center and its “Blue Mosque.” The report alleges that these centers aim to influence Germany’s Shi’a population in favor of the Iranian regime. The BfV considers the Hamburg Islamic Center, its mosque, and the Iranian Embassy to be key instruments of Iranian propaganda in Europe.
The report details the Islamic Center’s activities, including religious services, lectures, language classes, and the establishment of a network of mosques and Shi’a centers across Germany, allegedly under its control. Additionally, the report mentions the “Shi’a Community of Germany” as a significant source of financial support for the Hamburg Islamic Center and a crucial element in advancing Iranian interests. Due to suspicions of operating against Germany’s constitutional order and hindering international understanding, the offices of the Hamburg Islamic Center were searched nationwide on November 16, 2023.
Al-Qaeda and its Leadership
The report also addresses the extremist group Al-Qaeda. Following the death of leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in July 2022, the BfV acknowledges that Al-Qaeda currently lacks an official leader. Citing US and UN intelligence, the report suggests that an Egyptian member of Al-Qaeda currently imprisoned in Iran may take over leadership or be designated as such in the future. However, the report also asserts that Al-Qaeda’s ability to plan or carry out attacks in the West from Afghanistan would be significantly limited.
Source » irannewsupdate