Russian Spies Operating in Japan Use Sophisticated Methods
Reports that a man posing as an employee of Russian airline Aeroflot conducted intelligence operations in Tokyo have renewed attention on Russian espionage in Japan, a country former Soviet intelligence officers have described as unusually easy for spies to operate in because of weaknesses in its legal and counterintelligence framework. (News On Japan)
Tokyo has seen a renewed focus on Russian espionage due to reports of a man posing as Aeroflot employee carrying out intelligence operations. This case highlights the ease with which Russian spies can operate in Japan, a country with weaknesses in its legal and counterintelligence framework according to former Soviet intelligence officers.
Russian espionage against Japan dates back to the Soviet era, with Russian intelligence agencies using various methods to infiltrate the country, including diplomatic cover, illegals, and operatives who blend diplomatic and illegal statuses. The recent case involved a GRU intelligence officer using the Aeroflot cover, indicating a shift in Russia's tactics due to the loss of diplomats after its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Written by urgent.news from News On Japan's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
