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Germany Says Couple Spied For Russia


German prosecutors have filed espionage charges against a married couple accused of spying for Russia.

The federal prosecutor's office said the pair worked in Germany for Russia's foreign intelligence service for more than 20 years, gathering information on European Union and NATO strategy.

According to prosecutors, the pair entered Germany in 1988 and 1990, claiming to be Austrian citizens of South American origin.

Prosecutors say the couple, who called themselves Andreas and Heidrun A., received some $130,000 annually for their work in recent years.

Prosecutors didn't disclose any further information on the alleged spies' identities.

The couple was arrested in October 2011. German media said it is the first such case in Germany since the end of the Cold War.


Based on reporting by AP and dpa

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