German Intelligence Service (Abwehr)

The German Intelligence Service, known as the Abwehr, was Nazi Germany’s military intelligence organization from 1920 to 1944. It gathered information on enemy countries, conducted espionage, and performed covert operations during World War II. The Abwehr worked both to support Germany’s military goals and to counteract enemies through spying, sabotage, and strategic deception. Led initially by Commander Wilhelm Canaris, it operated discreetly, often collaborating with other Nazi agencies. In 1944, it was increasingly undermined by internal conflicts and Allied pressure, eventually dissolving before the war’s end.