In an effort to get more information about Western countries, Russian intelligence agencies are trying to recruit Ukrainian refugees as spies. The Estonian intelligence service warns against this in its annual counterintelligence report.
Since the start of the war in Ukraine, Estonia has taken in more than 45,000 Ukrainian refugees. As a result, on a per capita basis, Estonia is one of the most important countries as a refuge for Ukrainians fleeing the war with Russia. Ukrainians come to the country mainly through neighboring Russia.
Taking that route, Estonia fears that there are spies among the refugees. For example, refugees are regularly interrogated by Russian secret services, such as the FSB. Russia will “step up” these activities, writes the Estonian service. Talks with war refugees shed light on the FSB’s violent crackdown on Ukrainians in Russia and the occupied territories. (…). The FSB also systematically recruited war refugees from Russia before they entered Estonia, either by threatening or bribing them.”
Diplomats expelled
Spies recruited by Russia then attempt to enter Estonia using various cover, the authority says. It is unclear whether Estonia has also arrested or deported spies. Over the past year, Estonia has convicted as many as 31 people of spying with foreign intelligence services. Recently, several Russian diplomats were also expelled on espionage charges.
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Source: BNR
Sharon Rock is an author and journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. She has a passion for learning about different cultures and understanding the complexities of the world. With a talent for explaining complex global issues in an accessible and engaging way, Sharon has become a respected voice in the field of world news journalism.
