German Court Sentences Ukrainian Man for Spying in Russian Sabotage Plot
On Tuesday, the regional court in Stuttgart sentenced 30-year-old Yevhen Bezchasnyi, a Ukrainian citizen, to one year and three months in prison for espionage on behalf of Russia and for allegedly preparing for sabotage. Two other Ukrainian individuals, aged 22 and 25, were acquitted of similar charges. These accusations originated from a scheme that began in March 2022, which involved sending GPS-enabled test packages to Ukraine to evaluate methods for disrupting transportation and infrastructure, orchestrated by a Russian state agency. Bezchasnyi was apprehended in Switzerland in May 2025 and extradited to Germany in December. His pre-trial detention was taken into account, leading to his immediate release. The trial underscored the complexities of cross-border espionage and ongoing security issues related to Russian activities in Europe.
Key facts
- Yevhen Bezchasnyi, a 30-year-old Ukrainian man, was convicted of spying for Russia and helping prepare sabotage acts.
- The Stuttgart regional court sentenced him to one year and three months in prison.
- Two other Ukrainian men, aged 22 and 25, were acquitted on the same charges.
- The plot involved sending test packages with GPS trackers to Ukraine in March of the previous year.
- The operation aimed to assess possibilities for disrupting transport and infrastructure.
- The plan was directed by a Russian state entity, according to the court.
- Bezchasnyi was arrested in Switzerland in May 2025 and extradited to Germany in December.
- He was found guilty specifically of 'spying for the purposes of sabotage' and released due to time served in pre-trial detention.
Entities
Artists
- Yevhen Bezchasnyi
Institutions
- Stuttgart Regional Court
Locations
- Stuttgart
- Germany
- Ukraine
- Switzerland
- Russia