Russian secret services plotted assassination of German drone manufacturer chief

Russian secret services were planning an assassination attempt on Stefan Thumann, head of the German drone manufacturer Donaustahl.

Source: European Pravda, citing German outlet Die Zeit

Details: The attack was prevented thanks to the swift response of German security services, which had received a warning from partner countries'' intelligence agencies.

The publication reports that in spring this year, German police arrested two suspects in Spain and North Rhine-Westphalia: a Ukrainian man, Serhii N., and a Romanian woman, Alla S.

According to investigators, between December 2025 and March 2026, they monitored Thumann near his residence, photographing and filming his home and the company's headquarters. They also gathered information about him online.

Information that Thumann was likely in serious danger was received by German intelligence in December 2025 from a foreign partner agency.

Shortly afterwards, Bavarian officers detained Serhii N., seizing his mobile phones and copying large volumes of data.

However, due to time constraints, they were unable to fully analyse the devices while he was in custody, and he was released. Subsequent analysis indicated that he had likely been in contact with Russian intelligence.

Investigators also uncovered possible attempts to spy on Thumann's father in Starnberg, Bavaria, in order to determine his son's whereabouts. By that time, however, Serhii N. had fled to Spain with his family.

Meanwhile, Alla S. continued to monitor Thumann in Germany. Investigators reportedly do not consider her a professional agent; rather, she appeared inexperienced.

In March 2026, law enforcement carried out an operation: Serhii N. was detained in Spain, while Alla S. was arrested in North Rhine-Westphalia.

The Federal Prosecutor has charged the suspects with acting as agents of a foreign intelligence service. Their lawyers declined to comment to journalists.

Thumann is currently under enhanced protection. In a recent LinkedIn post, he wrote: "Unfortunately, for certain reasons I cannot attend exhibitions, but we will certainly meet again soon in other formats."

German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt is regularly briefed on this case.

Background:

• In summer 2024, media first reported a foiled attempt by Russian intelligence services to assassinate the CEO of a German arms company.
• In January 2025, NATO officially confirmed that Russia had intended to kill Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger.
• According to the Alliance, the plans were thwarted by US and German intelligence and were part of broader efforts by Russia to target defence industry leaders across Europe.

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