A high-ranking intelligence officer from Germany is facing charges of treason for allegedly sharing classified information with Russia.

Prosecutors claim that Carsten L, an employee at Germany's foreign intelligence service (BND), divulged intelligence related to the Ukraine conflict and the Wagner mercenary group, receiving approximately €400,000 (£340,000) in return, as reported by German sources.

Another German individual suspected of acting as a courier has also been charged in connection with the case. Both men could potentially be sentenced to life imprisonment.

Carsten L, whose identity is protected in accordance with German privacy regulations, was responsible for overseeing a department that monitored foreign telephone and internet communications.

Notably, he received a promotion just weeks prior to his arrest, assuming a role involving background checks within the agency, according to Süddeutsche Zeitung and public broadcasters NDR and WDR.

The arrest of Carsten L occurred in Berlin in December, with police detaining his alleged accomplice, Arthur E, a month after his arrival in Germany from the United States. Arthur E, a German-born businessman of Russian origin, is accused of traveling to Moscow and passing on intelligence to Russia's domestic spy agency, the FSB.

Both individuals have been charged with "treason in a particularly serious case" by Germany's prosecutor general, as reported.

German media outlets have revealed that Arthur E was a diamond trader who provided extensive information following his arrest. It is believed that the two men initially met at a private gathering at a Bavarian football club in 2021, during which Carsten L disclosed details about his work at the BND.

The prosecutor's office has not officially commented on the reports regarding the filing of charges. The head of the BND, Bruno Kahl, expressed shock over the case and disclosed that much of the shared material had limited value. The BND has since strengthened its security measures to prevent further leaks.

Concerns about Russian espionage in Europe have escalated since the invasion of Ukraine in February. Several countries, including the UK, Poland, and Norway, have taken action against suspected Russian spies.

Germany, in particular, has been a focal point in recent months, with a government official from a military equipment office arrested on suspicion of spying.

Additionally, Germany's cybersecurity chief, Arne Schönbohm, was dismissed in October after alleged ties to individuals associated with Russian intelligence services. Schönbohm has since sought compensation from the government and the public broadcaster that made the initial allegations.