Is Russia blackmailing Ukrainians in Norway? Security service reveals
The Norwegian Security Service (PST) warns about attempts to recruit Ukrainians living in Norway. It points out that Russian agents are trying to force them into illegally gathering information.
Authorities still believe that the Kremlin is continuously working to weaken Ukraine and the European countries supporting it.
Fot. Kremlin.ru, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The issue concerns people who fled to Norway after Russia's aggression against Ukraine. PST indicates that some of them may be exposed to pressure, especially those who have families in areas occupied by Russia. The authorities mention attempts at blackmail and intimidation.
Blackmail and threats against families. This is how Russia is allegedly looking for spies in Norway
NRK has gained access to messages that PST considers an example of a recent recruitment attempt in southern Norway. The conversation was conducted in Russian. The agent first addressed the Ukrainian by name. Then he asked how life was in the Norwegian city.
Next, the agent mentioned the man's family in Ukraine, specifically in a city partially controlled by Russia. He then asked for photos of a military facility in Norway. When the Ukrainian refused, the agent again referred to his family, writing that he could only help them if the man cooperated.
Next, the agent mentioned the man's family in Ukraine, specifically in a city partially controlled by Russia. He then asked for photos of a military facility in Norway. When the Ukrainian refused, the agent again referred to his family, writing that he could only help them if the man cooperated.
This is another method used by Russian services in Norway.Photo: Council.gov.ru, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Ukrainians in Norway under pressure. PST reveals Russian service methods
Atle Tangen from PST counterintelligence says that Ukrainians may be forced to cooperate. The pressure may concern their relatives in Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine. According to PST, Russian services first collect data about selected individuals, checking their origin, refugee status, family, work, and place of residence.
Contact may begin online or in person. Initially, the conversation is neutral or friendly. Later, demands are made. The recruited person may receive photos or other materials showing that their relatives are known to the interlocutor. According to PST, the goal is to obtain information about Norway.
Contact may begin online or in person. Initially, the conversation is neutral or friendly. Later, demands are made. The recruited person may receive photos or other materials showing that their relatives are known to the interlocutor. According to PST, the goal is to obtain information about Norway.
Since 2022, just over 83,000 refugees from Ukraine have arrived in Norway. About 22,000 of them come from areas currently occupied by Russia. PST does not disclose how many recruitment attempts have been detected. However, the service claims that there may be more such cases. The Russian embassy in Norway did not respond to NRK's questions on the matter.
How do you rate this article?