Buying Gold in Germany: Why Intelligence Services See Danger in It - AUCBURG
Buying Gold in Germany: Why Intelligence Services See Danger in It
In Germany, alongside law enforcement agencies such as the prosecutor's office, police, and customs, there are several specialized services. Each of them performs its unique functions to ensure state security.
Foreign intelligence, supplying information to political elites and government agencies.
Military Counterintelligence Service
Militärischer Abschirmdienst (MAD)
Countering espionage and intelligence activities within the armed forces (Bundeswehr).
Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution
Verfassungsschutz
Monitoring compliance with constitutional rights and freedoms, countering extremism.
In Germany, alongside law enforcement agencies such as the prosecutor's office, police, and customs, there are several specialized services. Each of them performs its unique functions to ensure state security.
The main task of these agencies is to protect the constitutional order and gather information both within the country and abroad. Their structure includes various departments, from foreign intelligence to military counterintelligence.
It is the last of these services, the Verfassungsschutz, that has recently come under scrutiny for its stance on gold investments.
Verfassungsschutz Statement: The Link Between Gold and Extremism
Recently, a memo from the head of the Verfassungsschutz became public, published in the press and on the X platform (formerly Twitter). This document expresses concern about the activities of certain information channels.
This refers to bloggers and public figures who predict the imminent collapse of Germany's financial and political system. In their publications, they claim that the existing system has reached a dead end and that a collapse is inevitable.
As an alternative and a way to preserve savings, these channels actively promote investments in precious metals, particularly gold. It is this combination—predicting collapse and advertising gold—that has attracted the attention of the intelligence service.
Verfassungsschutz Statement: The Link Between Gold and Extremism
Official Position: How Investments Promote Radicalism
According to the Verfassungsschutz statement, promoting investments in precious metals, such as gold and silver, against the backdrop of predictions of systemic collapse, creates a dangerous precedent.
The intelligence service believes that such activity indirectly contributes to the spread of anti-Semitic and right-wing extremist ideas and views. It is important to note that this is not a legal ban, but an internal assessment of the situation outlined in an official document.
Thus, the service's focus is not on the investors themselves, but on the channels that use the rhetoric of an impending collapse to advertise gold as the only reliable asset. According to the agency, this undermines trust in state institutions and can serve as a breeding ground for radical sentiments.
Official Position: How Investments Promote Radicalism
Public Reaction: Skepticism and Irony
The intelligence service's statement triggered a strong reaction in the German-speaking internet space. Most commentators reacted to this initiative with disbelief and sarcasm. The main points of the public discussion can be summarized as follows:
Historical experience. Many note that they have always acted contrary to the advice of politicians, and this has helped them preserve their savings.
The logic of the system. It is pointed out that any system will be suspicious of those who doubt its stability and seek alternative ways to preserve capital.
Incorrect use of terms. Some believe that the term 'right-wing extremist' is used to label any form of dissent.
The absurdity of the accusations. Commentators ironically suggest that if this logic is followed, the biggest 'right-wing extremist' in Germany is Deutsche Bank, as it also buys gold.
Public Reaction: Skepticism and Irony
Gold as a Store of Value
Many commentators emphasize the historical role of gold as a symbol of security, freedom, and independence. Unlike fiat money, the state cannot arbitrarily 'print' gold, which makes it a reliable means of saving.
A historical example of the German Empire is cited, where under the gold standard, there was virtually no inflation, and government spending was significantly lower. It is also noted that the purchasing power of gold has remained stable over decades: in 1960, an ounce of gold could buy a good suit with accessories, and this ratio still holds true today.
In contrast, it is pointed out that since the introduction of the euro in the early 2000s, its value relative to gold has fallen by 90%. This, according to commentators, is the best proof of the precious metal's reliability.
Gold as a Store of Value
Investor Strategies and the Absurdity of the Accusations
Practical advice also emerged during the discussion. For example, anyone who buys gold should keep the receipts to prove the legal origin of the funds in case of questions from the tax authorities.
The importance of asset diversification is also emphasized, which is the only sensible strategy in times of instability. It is recommended to distribute savings among various instruments:
Land
Precious metals
Stocks
Foreign currency
In conclusion, many commentators note that private ownership of gold is an act of anti-fascism, as it was totalitarian regimes, including the Nazi regime, that prohibited citizens from owning gold. In this context, the attempt to link gold investors with extremism seems particularly absurd.
Investor Strategies and the Absurdity of the Accusations