George Trofimoff - Arrest in Germany

Arrest in Germany

In 1992, a retired KGB archivist named Vasili Mitrokhin defected to the United Kingdom, taking with him thousands of pages of classified papers and handwritten notes on KGB operations at home and abroad. Major Mitrokhin's information included evidence that a NATO interrogation center was being compromised by a mole, codenamed "Markiz." He handed over KGB records that showed classified documents that exceeded 80 volumes – 50,000 pages taken over 25 years. Mitrokhin didn’t have a name, but he was able to produce a vague sketch of the traitor. Furthermore, the Soviet files he delivered described the spy as a “career American intelligence officer," and the courier who carried the secrets as a Russian Orthodox "clergyman".

On December 14, 1994, Colonel Trofimoff and Metropolitan Iriney (Susemihl) were arrested and interrogated by the German Federal Police, or Bundeskriminalamt, based on the mentioned sketch. While in custody, Trofimoff was informed by his commanding officer that his security clearance and pension had been suspended. Shortly thereafter, Trofimoff and the Metropolitan were brought before Dr. Bode, a judge of the Federal Constitutional Court, for a preliminary hearing. During the hearing, Metropolitan Iriney admitted to having loaned Trofimoff money, but denied having links to the KGB. He did admit, however, that "The KGB was everywhere, also in the Church." The Metropolitan also admitted to having "a very strong, personal relationship," with his female housekeeper, Gudula Walker.

As Germany's espionage laws possess a five year Statute of Limitations, Dr. Bode refused to file charges. As a result, both Colonel Trofimoff and Metropolitan Iriney were released. The Colonel's fifth wife, Jutta Trofimoff, was devastated by her husband's arrest. She later recalled "I had no knowledge of any spying activities by George. I was completely surprised by his arrest and as soon as he got home that morning I asked him to tell me truthfully what happened. He said, 'I swear on my mother's and father's graves that I did nothing.'" Mrs. Trofimoff further states "If I had any doubt that he was telling me the truth I would have divorced him on the spot."

After this short vindication, Colonel and Mrs. Trofimoff left Germany to retire in a gated community in Melbourne, Florida.