Germany's cybersecurity chief has been fired after allegations of being excessively close to Russia through an association he helped set up.
Arne Schönbohm had led the Federal Cyber Security Authority (BSI) - charged with protecting government communications - since 2016.
German media have accused him of having had links with people involved with Russian intelligence services.
The interior ministry is investigating allegations made against him.
But it confirmed he had been fired with immediate effect.
Mr Schönbohm had come under scrutiny after his potential links to a Russian company through a previous role were highlighted by Jan Böhmermann, the host of one of Germany's most popular late-night TV shows.
Before leading the BSI, Mr Schönbohm had helped set up and run the Cyber Security Council Germany, a private association which advises business and policymakers on cybersecurity issues.
He is said to have maintained close ties to the association and attended their 10th anniversary celebrations in September.
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.
Protelion was ejected from the association last weekend, and Cyber Security Council Germany says the allegations of links to Russian intelligence are untrue.
A spokesperson for Interior Minister Nancy Faeser appeared to confirm that Mr Schönbohm's sacking had come in response to the recent reports, saying: "The background to this is not least the allegations revealed and widely discussed in the media."
The spokesperson added: "Necessary public trust in the neutrality and impartiality of his leadership as president of the most important German cybersecurity agency has been damaged."
But they emphasised that the security chief would be "presumed innocent" while an investigation into the allegations was conducted.
The German media outlet Der Spiegel earlier reported that Mr Schönbohm had requested formal disciplinary proceedings to be opened against him, after receiving no "feedback" from the government after the initial accusations.
He said he did not yet know "what the ministry has examined and what the concrete allegations against me look like".
Berlin is said to be increasingly concerned that its critical infrastructure could be targeted by Russian intelligence as it steps up its support for Ukraine.
Last week, the defence ministry announced it planned to deliver four anti-air defence systems to Kyiv. A single IRIS-T unit is said to be capable of defending an entire city from air assaults.
Latest Stories
-
Next NDC government will pay special attention to women – Naana Opoku-Agyemang
3 mins -
Amerado is singing and it’s good he’s doing that – Lyrical Joe
12 mins -
NDC government will establish a Women’s Development Bank – Prof Opoku-Agyemang
19 mins -
My selection is an affirmation of your belief in women – Naana Opoku tells Mahama
26 mins -
Our ticket will be a pair of experienced individuals – Mahama assures
36 mins -
NDC officially outdoors Prof Naana Opoku-Agyemang as running mate
49 mins -
+233 hosts Int. Jazz Day concert on April 30
54 mins -
Farmer arraigned over threat of death
1 hour -
Education Minister unveils new uniforms for basic schools
1 hour -
8th Ghana CEO Summit scheduled for May 27
1 hour -
Leaked intimate video has severely embarrassed me; I’m sorry – Serwaa Amihere
2 hours -
Poll results alone don’t constitute victory for any political party- Asiedu Nketia cautions NDC
3 hours -
Gyakie spills truth on her journey to fame
4 hours -
Energy sector CSOs challenge Akufo-Addo to transparent value for money audit of SML contract
4 hours -
Plunderers of the State will face the music – Prof Jane Opoku-Agyemang promises
4 hours