The Czech intelligence service reported that Russia is hiring migrants from outside the EU to commit crimes and spread fear, as part of a broader effort to weaken Western societies and reduce support for Ukraine.
Russia is recruiting migrants from outside the European Union to carry out crimes, spread fear, and undermine trust in government, according to the Czech intelligence service (BIS) in its annual report for 2024. The report states that Russia uses Telegram to recruit potential agents for a variety of criminal activities, including filming military bases or logistical hubs for military aid to Ukraine and committing arson attacks.
BIS noted that these actions, in addition to gathering information or causing direct damage, are designed to inflict psychological harm. “This includes weakening the cohesion of Western societies, spreading fear and uncertainty, undermining public trust in the state’s ability to protect its citizens, and increasing pressure to scale back support for Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression,” the report said.
The intelligence service also found that, in many cases, the agents involved are unaware they are working for Russia, as they are recruited through middlemen.
Czechia has been the target of multiple attacks by Russian intelligence agents in recent years. In 2021, the country expelled 18 Russian diplomats after evidence linked Russia to a 2014 warehouse explosion in Vrbětice that killed two people.
Last month, Czechia sentenced a Colombian man to eight years in prison for a failed arson attack at a bus depot, which Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said was likely organized by Russia. BIS stated it has prevented other similar attacks from taking place.
The report also highlights the Russian Orthodox Church in Czechia as an institution fully loyal to the Kremlin and used to spread Russian influence in the country.
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