Germany's Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) has called for greater powers to monitor financial flows amid concerns over Russia's alleged funding of far-right parties ahead of the European Parliament elections.
Source. Reuters reports.
"I hope that I will have more powers to monitor financial transactions," said Thomas Haldenwang, head of the intelligence service, at a press conference. "We are particularly interested in financial flows among right-wing extremists.
According to critics of the current system, including former officials, Germany's security agencies are bogged down by bureaucracy, and two previous heads of the German Federal Intelligence Service (BND) said last year that the intelligence services should not become "a toothless watchdog that has tied itself with an iron chain."
With security threats on the rise following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and a deepening rivalry with China, many in Germany say it is time to remove restrictions and give spy agencies more power to do their jobs.
"Other agencies use the most advanced communication methods with the most advanced encryption technology, and we have the opportunity to operate on the same level as our colleagues," said Haldenwang. "Lawmakers need to find the right balance between guaranteeing freedom on the one hand and security on the other.
Background. As reported, Belgium has launched an investigation into Russian interference in the upcoming European elections. The country's intelligence services have confirmed the existence of a Russian agent network that is trying to undermine support for Ukraine.