Germany's intelligence agency launches hotline for emigrants from Russia, China and Iran fearing persecution

Germany's Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), the country's domestic intelligence agency, has launched a hotline for emigrants and refugees from authoritarian-ruled countries, including China, Russia, and Iran. Reuters reported the news, citing a 16-page brochure published by the agency.

According to the brochure, the hotline is aimed primarily at people who face or could face threats, surveillance, repression, or kidnapping attempts, including journalists, dissidents, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

The brochure states that information gathered through the hotline could help German intelligence services prevent specific threats. Its authors wrote that through both its own investigations and information provided by affected individuals, the domestic intelligence service is able to identify those responsible. Reuters did not publish the hotline's phone number in its report.

Wider context

Reuters noted that the hotline's launch comes amid ongoing debate in Germany over expanding the powers of its intelligence services. In August 2026, the German government approved a reform package drafted by the Interior Ministry that significantly broadens the authority of the Federal Intelligence Service (BND) and the BfV.

Among the key changes is the transfer of operational powers to the agencies, allowing them not only to collect information and conduct surveillance but, in cases of especially serious threats, to intervene directly. According to Deutsche Welle, agents would gain the ability to carry out hacking operations, deliberately spread disinformation, disable infrastructure considered a threat, and take other measures deemed necessary for national defense. The bill still requires approval from the Bundestag.