USA, Germany foil Russian FSB’s plot to assassinate major European weapon producer Rheinmetall’s CEO

American intelligence service uncovers alleged scheme to kill Armin Papperger, the chief executive Rheinmetall, reports CNN.

Armin Papperger, the chief executive of Rheinmetall, was allegedly the target of a Russian assassination plot.

The United States and Germany have foiled an alleged Russian plot to assassinate the head of Rheinmetall, a major German weapons provider to Ukraine, US media reported on Thursday.

Berlin is taking reports of a plot to assassinate the chief executive of arms manufacturer Rheinmetall very seriously and will not be cowed by Russian intimidation, the German government said on Friday.

A source familiar with the situation confirmed reporting by CNN and others that U.S. intelligence officials warned the German authorities this year that Russia was plotting to assassinate Armin Papperger, the head of Europe’s biggest weapons producer, which has produced artillery shells and military vehicles for Ukraine.

A U.S. official, without confirming the report, said there has been an increased Russian efforts to conduct subversive or sabotage activities throughout Europe in the last five or six months.

These activities seemed to be targeting buildings, facilities, companies, and people involved in the supply of weapons to Ukraine, the official said.

The Rheinmetall plot was one of a series of Russian plans to assassinate defence industry executives across Europe supporting Ukraine’s war effort, CNN reported. German security services were able to protect Papperger after Washington informed Germany, it said.

“We will not allow ourselves to be intimidated by Russia and will continue to do everything we can to prevent Russian threats in Germany,” Germany’s Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said.

One of the world’s biggest producers of artillery and tank shells, Rheinmetall has not directly confirmed the reports but said “necessary measures are always taken” for security, in regular consultation with security authorities.

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