Joint operation Dismantles Belarusian Spy Network Across Europe
Prague, Czechia – September 8, 2023 – A coordinated effort by Czech, Romanian, and hungarian security services has led to the dismantling of a Belarusian espionage network operating throughout Europe, the Czech Security and Facts Service (BIS) announced today. The network, organized by Belarus‘s State Security Committee (KGB), was focused on recruiting agents and gathering sensitive intelligence.
According to BIS, the operation uncovered a network that exploited the ease of travel within Europe to expand its reach. Among those identified as involved was a former deputy of Moldova’s intelligence service (SIS), accused of transmitting classified information to the KGB.
“We will not tolerate the abuse of diplomatic cover for intelligence activities,” stated the Czech foreign Ministry, following the expulsion of one Belarusian embassy employee in prague who was declared persona non grata for alleged ties to the KGB.
czech authorities emphasized that the network’s growth was ”primarily thanks to the ability to move freely across Europe.”
The dismantling of this network comes as belarus continues to be a key ally of Russia in the ongoing full-scale war against Ukraine, providing territory for Russian military operations. Cooperation between Belarus and Russia has deepened as 2022 as both nations face increasing isolation from Western countries.
This operation highlights the ongoing security concerns in the region,as evidenced by a recent case where Ukraine’s SBU detained a suspected Belarusian KGB agent allegedly spying on Ukrainian defenses near the border. The agent, a 24-year-old local resident, was reportedly recruited through Telegram.
