Ukrainian intel recruiting in Russia under US RAND cover: FSB
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The Ukrainian intelligence is using the US RAND Corporation as cover to recruit Russians and gather information on Russia's military operation, according to the FSB.
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In this photo taken from a video released by the Russian National Antiterrorism Committee on Thursday, April 11, 2024, members of special forces of the Federal Security Service check a house in Nalchik, the capital of the Kabardino-Balkaria republic, Russia. (Russian National Antiterrorism Committee via AP)
The Ukrainian intelligence is engaged in recruitment and gathering information about the special military operation in Russia using the US RAND Corporation think tank as a cover, Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) said on Thursday.
"Russia's FSB has obtained information about the use by representatives of the Ukrainian special services of the cover of the influential US corporation RAND Corporation for recruitment activities on the territory of Russia and obtaining limited information about Russia conducting the special military operation in Ukraine," the FSB stated.
To this end, Ukrainian special services are contacting Russians, especially those with military connections, through instant messengers, offering collaboration with the RAND Corporation in return for monetary rewards.
They aim to collect information on strategic aviation and military personnel engaged in the operation.
FSB expels two on reports of espionage
On a similar note, earlier this month, the FSB announced the expulsion of two individuals linked to the British Embassy in Moscow, accusing them of espionage and activities that pose a threat to national security.
The individuals in question are Alkesh Odedra, who held the position of second secretary at the embassy, and Michael Skinner, the husband of Tabasum Rashid, a first secretary in the embassy’s political department.
According to the FSB, both Odedra and Skinner provided inaccurate details when applying for entry permits to Russia, violating local laws. The agency claimed to have uncovered evidence that the two were involved in intelligence operations and subversive activities.
"It has been reliably established that the second secretary of the Embassy, Alkesh Odedra, born on 12/25/1990, and Michael Skinner, born on 30/06/1992, the husband of the first secretary of the political department of the Embassy, Tabasum Rashid, who were sent to Moscow, intentionally provided false information when receiving permission to enter our country, which violated Russian law."
At the same time, the FSB of Russia revealed signs that these diplomats were carrying out intelligence and subversive work that threatens the security of the Russian Federation," the statement read.
