Germany’s cybersecurity chief has been fired after allegations of being excessively close to Russia through an association he helped set up.<\/p>\n
Arne Sch\u00f6nbohm had led the Federal Cyber Security Authority (BSI) – charged with protecting government communications – since 2016.<\/p>\n
German media have accused him of having had links with people involved with Russian intelligence services.<\/p>\n
The interior ministry is investigating allegations made against him.<\/p>\n
But it confirmed he had been fired with immediate effect.<\/p>\n
Mr Sch\u00f6nbohm had come under scrutiny after his potential links to a Russian company through a previous role were highlighted by Jan B\u00f6hmermann, the host of one of Germany’s most popular late-night TV shows.<\/p>\n
Before leading the BSI, Mr Sch\u00f6nbohm had helped set up and run the Cyber Security Council Germany, a private association which advises business and policymakers on cybersecurity issues.<\/p>\n
He is said to have maintained close ties to the association and attended their 10th anniversary celebrations in September.<\/p>\n
One of the association’s members was a cybersecurity company called Protelion, which was a subsidiary of a Russian firm reportedly established by a former member of the KGB honoured by President Vladimir Putin.<\/p>\n
Protelion was ejected from the association last weekend, and Cyber Security Council Germany says the allegations of links to Russian intelligence are untrue.<\/p>\n
Source: BBC News<\/p>\n