This publication does not provide ready-made solution models but presents real-world inspired case studies from the field of economic and industrial espionage, which are explained using scientific models and methods. A deliberate interdisciplinary approach is chosen to outline the complex issues of economic and industrial espionage, particularly regarding organizational theory aspects and the increasing internationalization of companies. Specifically, the role of the employee is contextualized with the topic of espionage, taking into account existing concepts of personnel and organizational management, including psychological aspects.