Russia could recruit almost 200 vessels to spy on critical infrastructure in the North Sea.
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This is stated in the investigation by Follow the Money and De Tijd.
Data transmission cables, electrical and radio communications, oil and gas pipelines run along the bottom of the North Sea. NATO conducts training there. Russians use fishing, cargo, research vessels, oil tankers and even pleasure yachts for reconnaissance.
European coastguards have over the past decade found listening devices, underwater drones or sonar scanners used to map the seabed to locate cables.
Currently, Russian ships are suspected of thousands of cases of espionage in the North Sea. However, counteracting this type of espionage is difficult due to the restrictions of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which does not allow doing more than just closely monitoring ships or, as a last resort, carrying out an inspection.
On board the Yantar there are underwater vehicles capable of cutting cables at a depth of several kilometers. One of the signs of secret activity of ships is the shutdown of the AIS system, when the ship disappears from radar, and a few days later appears in a completely different location. Or deviating from the route or slowing down for no apparent reason.
Investigators recall that this Russian tactic is not new. It was also used during the Cold War, but since 2014 there has been a clear increase.
Russian ships are suspicious in themselves, even if they adhere to normal sailing patterns. Because every Russian ship, even if it works for a private company, still works for the Russian government,” said Thomas de Spigelare, spokesman for the Belgian maritime security service.
However, this form of espionage is difficult to combat because of the restrictions of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which does not allow you to do more than just closely monitor ships or, as a last resort, carry out an inspection.
German law does not provide for criminal liability for actions in the exclusive economic zone. If you see a Russian vessel encroaching on a pipeline or cable, the only thing the police can do is say, “Hey, could you please stop this?” And they have no powers of arrest,” explained maritime security specialist Christian Buger.
Source: Racurs
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.