If Russia used to operate intelligence officers under diplomatic cover, now Russian spies pose as journalists and workers of non-governmental organizations.
Russian and Chinese intelligence officers increasingly pose as journalists or NGO workers to gather information, and the recruitment of unofficial agents is on the rise. This was discussed in the annual report of the State Security of Belgium, reports Belga.
It has been noted that since the EU institutions and NATO headquarters are located in the Belgian capital, Belgium has long been a center for espionage. The country’s public security establishment now sees foreign intelligence agencies becoming more sophisticated in their intelligence gathering efforts.
Major changes in international relations prompted Russia to change tactics. For years, Russia has operated intelligence officers under diplomatic cover.
“Over the past two years, we have forced 60 of them to leave the country, which has dealt a severe blow to their ability. They no longer have diplomatic passports, but they can pose as journalists, workers of public organizations or representatives of Russian. cultural associations,” the statement said. .
But this does not mean that Russian espionage is on the decline. Russia increasingly relies on informal intelligence officers.
China’s intelligence operations have also undergone major changes, according to the State Security report. Since the arrest of a Chinese intelligence officer in Belgium in 2018, the country has become more cautious.
To avoid the risks, China is now focusing on cyber activities, using cover or recruiting unofficial agents. The recently exposed recruitment of far-right politician Frank Kreielman is a “perfect illustration” of the latter, the report said.
It was previously reported that EU countries are discussing whether to restrict the travel of Russian diplomats after the Czech Republic complained that potential Russian spies evade surveillance thanks to the Schengen zone.
We remind you that, according to media reports, Russia’s permanent representative to the EU, Kirill Logvinov, is probably a spy. He is suspected of secretly working against European interests and spying for Russian intelligence services.
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Source: korrespondent
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.