Russia is using social media and sports clubs to recruit spies in Europe.
The Foreign Intelligence Service reported that Russian intelligence agencies are actively recruiting so-called “one-time agents” among European civilians through social media, church communities, and sports clubs.
Following the disclosure and expulsion of around 700 Russian spies operating under diplomatic cover, Moscow has moved to recruit new agents in Europe. Large-scale clean-up operations were conducted in Bulgaria, Germany, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, the Netherlands, and Slovenia, leaving the Foreign Intelligence Service without part of its network in the region.
Russia has changed its tactics and is now involving citizens in carrying out individual tasks, usually to gather information or follow specific instructions. In Poland, 47 cases of espionage for Moscow have been recorded, in Estonia — 20 cases, Latvia — 19, Germany — 12, and the United Kingdom — 10. Overall, 130 individuals in 12 European countries have been accused of working for Russia.
This change in tactics is part of the Kremlin’s hybrid strategy aimed at undermining Europe’s security. According to the Wall Street Journal, Russian spy agencies have created a new unit dedicated to shadow operations in the West.
| Country | Number of Expelled Spies | Number of Espionage Cases |
|---|---|---|
| Bulgaria | 82 | – |
| Germany | 65 | 12 |
| Poland | 58 | 47 |
| Romania | 52 | – |
| Slovakia | 39 | – |
| Netherlands | 34 | – |
| Slovenia | 34 | – |
| Estonia | – | 20 |
| Latvia | – | 19 |
| United Kingdom | – | 10 |
