On social media, everything looks the same as before: it is written that the German Bundeswehr general still holds one of the leading positions in NATO. In fact, he is no more. In December, he had to leave his post in the Alliance.
According to an investigation by journalists from public broadcaster WDR and the Süddeutsche Zeitung newspaper, the German was allegedly dismissed from his post at NATO on suspicion of violating secrecy regulations. He was denied access to NATO assets and documents back in December.
Espionage?
According to information from German journalists, there is suspicion that the general was negligent in handling documents that were classified, including several papers marked “VS-secret.” According to information, numerous such documents were found printed and improperly stored in the general's office.
The German Federal Military Counterintelligence Service (BAMAD) is investigating the case, but so far there appears to be no evidence that it was espionage, or that a foreign power came into possession of secret documents.
No comment
When asked by reporters, the German Defense Ministry refused to comment on personnel policy and the facts of the case, or on any disciplinary or criminal investigation against the general. A ministry spokeswoman said that no information could be given "for reasons of data protection and the protection of personal rights."
At the same time, a NATO spokesman stated only that the German general was recalled to Germany by “official order.” The general himself has not responded to any of the journalists' multiple inquiries in recent weeks.
Disciplinary proceedings?
The general spent a number of years in military intelligence, working on sensitive issues of that military alliance, and also had one of the leading roles when it came to Bundeswehr missions abroad.
Following his recall from NATO, he was reportedly transferred to a Bundeswehr facility in Germany. According to the journalist, he is due to take early retirement at the end of the month. In that case, disciplinary proceedings would no longer be possible under the emergency procedure.
Earlier cases
Just a year ago, high-ranking Bundeswehr soldiers made headlines after a classified video conference in February 2024 discussing the Taurus cruise missile was intercepted by Russian intelligence and briefly posted online.
Four air force officers, including the commander of the German Air Force, Ingo Gerharz, participated in the conference. One of the participants joined the conference via an unsecured internet connection from a hotel in Singapore.
The Berlin public prosecutor's office examined details from a preliminary investigation into suspected breaches of official secrets, but ultimately dropped the investigation against the air force officer because no intent could be proven.
However, two participants in the discussion, including the commander of the German Air Force, Gerharz, were subsequently fined four figures in disciplinary proceedings. They failed to comply with the prescribed precautions to ensure secure communication channels.
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