Germany’s intelligence services opened a hotline for emigrants from Russia, China, and Iran fearing persecution

Germany's domestic intelligence service, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), has established a hotline for emigrants and refugees from authoritarian countries like China, Russia, and Iran. According to a 16-page agency brochure cited by Reuters, the hotline is primarily meant for individuals facing or potentially facing threats, surveillance, repression, or kidnapping attempts.

These individuals might include journalists, dissidents, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. The information collected via the hotline could assist Germany's intelligence services in preventing specific threats. The brochure states, "Through both its own investigations and information provided by the individuals concerned, the domestic intelligence service is able to track down those responsible."

The specifics of the hotline's phone number have not been disclosed by Reuters. The rise of this hotline coincides with ongoing debates in Germany about expanding the powers of intelligence services. In August 2026, Germany's government approved a reform package drafted by the German Interior Ministry, significantly broadening the powers of the Federal Intelligence Service (BND) and the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV).

The reforms include transferring operational powers to German intelligence agencies, enabling them not only to gather information and conduct surveillance but also to intervene directly in cases of serious threats. Such measures could include carrying out hacking attacks, deliberately spreading false information, destroying infrastructure deemed a threat, and other actions in the interest of national defense.

However, the bill must still be approved by the Bundestag. Meduza maintains transparency regarding its use of artificial intelligence in its newsroom. The article was written by one of Meduza's journalists and translated from Russian using an AI model that adheres to their strict editorial standards. Each draft undergoes review by a Meduza editor before publication.

If readers identify any errors in the English translation, they can contact Meduza at reports@meduza.io.