Russian Intelligence at Work at Czech Lands

RUSSIAN INTEL AT WORK IN CZECH LANDS -- The Czech security service, the BIS, has virtually accused the Russian foreign intelligence service, the SVR, of interfering in the internal affairs of the Czech Republic. In comments for Jane's Intelligence Digest, sources in the BIS said they suspect that over half of the staff at the Russian embassy in Prague is covertly working for the SVR.

Despite the fact that the Czechs have been a member of NATO since 1999 and this month became one of 10 new EU member states, Russian intelligence is as active as ever, the Moscow Times writes, citing Jane's. Now there are major concerns that the SVR is stepping up its activities with the aim of penetrating Czech political and business circles to the point where it can influence strategic decision-making. This raises serious questions about the extent to which Moscow's expanding network will pose a direct threat to the security of the EU.

Sources in the BIS told Jane's that the SVR has invested billions in Czech currency into purchasing property including hotels, casinos and other lucrative businesses in Prague, as well as in the Western Bohemian spa town of Karlovy Vary, which has become a known haven for Russian organized crime gangs, as well as SVR operations. In view of the concerns currently being expressed by serving BIS officials, it remains to be seen whether the potential risks to Western security will be taken seriously, either by NATO or within the EU, according to Jane's.

Russian special services have ignored the BIS's claims. The SVR press-service told Gazeta.Ru, so far they have no official comment on the issue. (pjk, DKR)