Kremlin Recruited Undercover German Journalist to Gather Intelligence

A German journalist posing as a pro-Russian influencer received assignments from suspected Russian actors to gather information on political figures, defense companies and civil society organizations inside Germany.

RTL reporter Angelique Geray spent months building a false online identity under the name “Katja,” presenting herself as a supporter of Russia and cultivating contacts in Germany’s pro-Russian social-media scene.

The operation formed part of a year-long undercover investigation into how people could be recruited for Russian interests and used as so-called disposable agents.

From Simple Tasks to Espionage

The reporters received instructions through Telegram from suspected Russian-linked actors, with payment offered in Bitcoin.

Initial assignments were designed to appear routine. They included taking photographs, collecting packages and obtaining SIM cards.

The tasks then became more sensitive.

The reporters were asked to investigate a human rights organization, monitor a CDU employee, infiltrate a political party and obtain information about German arms companies.

The investigation described a compartmentalized structure in which individual recruits could know only the task assigned to them, not the wider operation.

Geray’s fake persona provided another route into the network.

Her “Katja” account featured pro-Russian content, including videos displaying the Russian flag, and attracted people willing to offer advice or assignments.

BSW Member Contacts “Katja”

Among those who contacted the account was Jovica Jović, a member of the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance, or BSW, with around 35,000 TikTok followers, whom the investigation described as a prominent figure in Germany’s pro-Russian scene.

Geray first spoke with Jović by phone before meeting him in person.

He advised her on developing the channel, including suggesting that “Katja” make a video dancing on a NATO flag.

During their conversations, Jović also addressed the possible involvement of Russian intelligence.

“I’m not saying that Russian intelligence is involved because I’m playing dumb,” he said.

Asked directly whether Russian intelligence stood behind the campaign, he replied: “You don’t know. So I don’t know, theoretically. Practically, I do know.”

Jović later denied having links to Russian intelligence or participating in a disinformation campaign. He said his activities were intended to inform the public.

The BSW said Jović was an ordinary member without any party function and that it would examine the matter.

Targets Inside Germany

The reporters coordinated parts of the investigation with lawyers and German authorities because some assignments carried potentially serious criminal consequences.

Their reporting also examined alleged Russian sabotage activity and cases involving suspected disposable agents operating elsewhere in Europe.

One case involved defense executive Stefan Thumann, who supplies drones to Ukraine and had gone into hiding.

According to the investigation, at least two suspected disposable agents had monitored and followed him on Russia’s behalf. A machete was found when one suspect was arrested.

The broader pattern documented by the reporters combined cheaply recruited operatives with cyber activity, surveillance, sabotage and propaganda while keeping direct connections to those commissioning the operations difficult to establish.

Cover Blown, Death Threat Follows

Geray’s undercover work ended with a direct threat after her fabricated identity was exposed.

A message left on her voicemail warned: “If you try to flee, you’ll get a bullet!”

RTL said it had put security arrangements in place for the journalists involved in the investigation.