Investigations by The Insider laid the groundwork for EU sanctions against Kremlin saboteurs, propagandists, and smugglers

Sanctions have been imposed on individuals behind the Kremlin’s hybrid operations, disinformation campaigns, and efforts to undermine democratic processes worldwide.

• Vladimir Sergienko. Former assistant to Bundestag MP and AfD party member Eugen Schmidt

As The Insider and Der Spiegel discovered, during his time working for Schmidt, Sergienko was in frequent contact with his handler back in Russia — FSB Colonel Ilya Vechtomov. Sergienko reported on completed tasks, and the two discussed the provision of funding from Moscow.

They also planned and carried out specific actions aimed at furthering Russia’s interests abroad. Vechtomov was responsible for issues related to Ukraine, and one outcome of Sergienko’s work was a lawsuit — filed by Alternative for Germany (AfD) in the Federal Constitutional Court — calling for a halt to tank deliveries to Ukraine. According to The Insider and Der Spiegel, Sergienko illegally obtained a German passport but was later stripped of his German citizenship.

Oleg Yeremenko, a GRU officer, also helped promote pro-Russian narratives in Germany and organized protests against aid to Ukraine. He has been included in the new sanctions package as well.