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Wolfgang VogelLawyer, public figure of the GDR
Date of Birth: 30.10.1925
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Biography of Wolfgang Vogel
- Mediator in Cold War Spy Exchange Operations
- Facilitating the Release of Eastern Germans to the West
- Accusations and Acquittal
- Death
Biography of Wolfgang Vogel
Wolfgang Vogel, born on October 30, 1925, in Lower Silesia, was a lawyer and a public figure in the German Democratic Republic (GDR). He studied law in Jena and Leipzig after World War II and worked as a lawyer in the GDR.
Mediator in Cold War Spy Exchange Operations
Vogel was assigned by the Stasi, the GDR's secret police, to establish contacts with colleagues in the West. He acted as a mediator in the exchange of individuals between East and West, including the exchange of captured spies and political prisoners. In total, Vogel facilitated the exchange of over 150 spies and political prisoners. Some of the most well-known cases include the 1962 exchange of Gary Powers for Rudolf Abel, the 1981 exposure of Stasi agent Guenter Guillaume in the presence of Chancellor Willy Brandt, and the 1986 exchange of Soviet dissident Anatoly Shcharansky for Karl Koecher and his wife. These exchanges took place on the Glienicke Bridge between West Berlin and East German Potsdam.
Facilitating the Release of Eastern Germans to the West
During the Cold War, Vogel also engaged in operations that involved releasing East German citizens to the West in exchange for money. From 1964 to 1989, he facilitated the border crossing for a total of 215,000 East Germans and 34,000 political prisoners from East German prisons. The liberation of these individuals in West Germany cost 3.5 billion marks (2.7 billion dollars).
Accusations and Acquittal
After the reunification of Germany, Vogel faced accusations of close ties with the Stasi. He was accused of blackmailing those wishing to emigrate from East Germany and of selling the property of emigrants well below market value. However, the Supreme Court of Germany acquitted Vogel of all charges.
Death
Wolfgang Vogel passed away on August 21, 2008, at his home in Schliersee, Bavaria, due to a heart attack. He was surrounded by his family and loved ones.
