Germany moves in the Baltic Sea against potential espionage activities and inspects a ship

The German authorities inspected a cargo ship at one of the locks of the Kiel Canal in the northern part of the country, amid suspicions of its connection to espionage activities of a destructive nature, according to the public prosecutor's office in Flensburg and security agencies in the northern German states, on Monday.

According to the statement, the inspection took place yesterday, Sunday, as part of investigations related to the collection of sensitive information, including security images of military facilities, alongside searching for measures to enhance the protection of vital maritime infrastructure in the country from potential threats.

Interior Minister of Schleswig-Holstein, Sabine Sütterlin-Waack, clarified that the investigations are linked to an incident in which a drone is suspected to have launched from the ship on August 26, flying over a German Navy vessel to capture intelligence images.

The minister added that the inspection "represents a clear message and confirms the ability of the rule of law in Germany to act decisively against any threats."