Dozens of Russian spies disguised as diplomats are lively in Switzerland: Report

By Associated Press: Switzerland’s fundamental intelligence company says Russia continues to have dozens of spies disguised as diplomats at its embassy in Bern and its mission to the United Nations in Geneva, making the Alpine nation a hotspot for Russian espionage exercise in Europe.

The NDB spy company mentioned in its annual report, printed Monday, that whereas Russia’s intelligence actions in Europe and North America have been weakened by the expulsion of Russian brokers posing as diplomats following the Skripal incident in 2018 and final 12 months’s invasion of Ukraine, their quantity has remained steady in Switzerland.

“Of the roughly 220 people that are accredited as diplomatical or technical-administrative personnel at the diplomatic and consular representations in Geneva and Bern, at least a third are likely still active for Russian intelligence agencies,” it mentioned within the report.

ALSO READ | India turning into an necessary nation for innovation and analysis: Switzerland ambassador

“Europe-wide, Switzerland is one of the states in which the most Russian intelligence personnel are deployed under diplomatic cover, including due to its role as a host country for international organisations,” the NDB mentioned.

While China can also be believed to have dozens of spies at its diplomatic missions in Switzerland, their quantity is considerably lower than Russia’s, the company mentioned.

It mentioned China is extra more likely to have spies masquerading as scientists, journalists and businesspeople.