Latest news with #MIDD
The Independent
7 days ago
- Politics
- The Independent
Russia detains tourist who entered country on paddle board
A French citizen who illegally crossed the Russian border on a paddle board from Estonia has been put in detention for two months, a court in Russia 's northern Leningrad region said. The man, who paddled from Estonia, was detained on the shore of the Narva reservoir - through which the Russian-Estonian border runs - by Federal Security Service (FSB) border guards. According to the Leningrad court, the French man said he wanted to settle in Russia. The court said the man said he had previously undergone psychiatric treatment. Reuters was unable to contact the man or his lawyers. Earlier this month, Latvia 's intelligence agency issued a public warning about potential Russian saboteurs and spies operating within the country, disguised as tourists or hikers. The Defence Intelligence and Security Service (MIDD) released a list of characteristics in its annual report, urging citizens to be vigilant amid heightened regional tensions and a series of unexplained incidents. The MIDD describes these individuals as potentially appearing unkempt, carrying excessive gear, or sporting military haircuts and survival equipment while demonstrating a lack of outdoor skills. They might ask unusual questions of locals, loiter near sensitive sites like military bases or infrastructure, or pose as humanitarian workers. Their presence in remote areas without any apparent interest in nature could also be a red flag. The agency further advises the public to be wary of individuals carrying specialized medical kits, maps, or radios – items more commonly associated with clandestine operations than recreational activities. This warning comes against a backdrop of increased regional tensions and several incidents of arson and sabotage that Western governments attribute to Russia, though Moscow denies involvement.
Daily Mirror
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Russia spy warning over claims Putin's agents are 'disguised as lost tourists'
Vladimir Putin's Russian spies are posing as lost tourists as a spy agency warned citizens to keep an eye out for Kremlin agents lurking in their own neighbourhoods A spy agency has said Vladimir Putin's spooks are appearing as lost tourists. A report by the Latvian State Security Service (MIDD) said Russian intelligence operatives disguised as civilians is an increasing concern for authorities. The report also said Kremlin spies are the biggest threat to Latvia's national security, as it warned of spooks appearing in untidy clothing such as sportswear or mismatched military clothing. People should be wary of suspicious individuals appearing to be lost and asking locals strange questions, the MIDD said. 'If you do think you might have spotted a sabotage group on Latvian soil, MIDD does not recommend tackling them yourself," the report urged residents. "Instead report your suspicions to the State Police, special services, or the nearest armed forces unit.' Not all operatives appear the same and citizens should consider the context when coming across someone they may suspect. They are most likely to loiter close to critical infrastructure or even near military sites. The spies are 'highly adaptive', the report says, basing some of its assessment on 'experience from Ukraine '. Operatives could be there to try and destabilise society or even target individuals for assassination. Similar concerns have been raised by Finland's Security and Intelligence Service (SUPO). It said there had been sabotage operations linked to operatives the GRU, one of Russia's intelligence agencies. Earlier this week, six Bulgarians were jailed after being convicted of spying for Russia on an industrial scale. Ringleader Orlin Roussev, 47, who led the spy ring from a rundown guesthouse on the east coast of England, was sentenced to 10 years and eight months on Monday. He had admitted his role along with his second-in-command, Biser Dzhambazov, 44, who was jailed for 10 years and two months and Ivan Stoyanov, 33, who was handed five years and three weeks in prison. Female 'honeytrap' agents Katrin Ivanova, 33, and Vanya Gaberova, 30, and competitive swimmer Tihomir Ivanov Ivanchev, 39, were found guilty at the Old Bailey in March of activities which police have said put lives and national security at risk. Mr Justice Hilliard jailed Ivanova, of Harrow, north-west London, for nine years and eight months, saying she had 'thrown in' her lot with her partner Dzhambazov and become an 'enthusiastic' participant. Gaberova, of Euston, north London, was jailed for six years, eight months and three weeks, having found spying for Russia to be 'exciting and glamorous', the judge said. Her ex-boyfriend Ivanchev, of Acton, west London, was sentenced to eight years in prison.
Scottish Sun
16-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Is THIS what a Russian spy looks like? Intel agency releases handy guide on how to spot a Putin operative in your midst
Scroll down to find out how to spot a spy in your midst SPY NEXT DOOR Is THIS what a Russian spy looks like? Intel agency releases handy guide on how to spot a Putin operative in your midst Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WHEN you think of a spy, you might imagine trench coats and secret dossiers, or perhaps the more glamorous image of vodka martinis and Aston Martins. But one Baltic nation has taken a more practical approach, issuing a handy guide on how its citizens can spot Russian operatives lurking in their midst. 6 Federal security service officers guarding the Russian President Vladimir Putin Credit: Alamy 6 The aftermath of a Russian firestorm in Ukraine's Sumy region Credit: AP 6 Some of the characteristics to look out for in a spy One of Latvia's intelligence services has put out a list of telltale signs to help its population sniff out spies. An unkempt appearance and "insufficient hygiene" are listed as some of the top characteristics to look out for - a far cry from the crisp dinner jackets sported by James Bond. But don't expect all Russian spies in the Baltic state to look like they have been sleeping in a bush. A military-style haircut is also a possible indicator that you might be face-to-face with a secret agent. Perhaps unsurprisingly, asking nosy and intrusive questions of locals is also listed as something to look out for. And tourists who have little knowledge of the area but are surprisingly well-prepared for the great outdoors - such as with medical kits or radios - are also a big red flag. The Defence Intelligence and Security Service (MIDD) has issued the list of characteristics this week to urge its citizens to be alert to threats and regional tensions. The agency said: "The Ukrainian experience shows that Russian special services are able to adapt to the environment and circumstances in which reconnaissance-saboteur groups are used. "Their members may not visually correspond to the classic reconnaissance-saboteur profile." Such Russian spies might also hang around near sensitive sights - or sleep in remote areas despite showing little interest in nature. Satellite pics show Putin on the march as Russia masses troops 35 miles from Nato border with 2k soldiers & helicopters But the agency warned citizens not to get their hands dirty with vigilante spy work - and to leave any action to the professionals. They made clear that if any suspicions are flagged, the police and military should take it from there. The agency said: "If you do think you might have spotted a sabotage group on Latvian soil, MIDD does not recommend tackling them yourself. "Instead report your suspicions to the State Police, special services, or the nearest armed forces unit.' 6 Wreckage of an MH17 plane shot down by Russia Credit: AP 6 Fire blazes at the site of the wreckage Credit: AP This comes as tensions between NATO countries and Russia continue to soar over Putin's barbaric and brutal invasion of Ukraine. Sweden and Finland - both of which joined NATO since 2022 - have been busily issuing booklets on how to survive a war or other disaster. Norway has also published a book with advice for such a scenario. The book reads: "We live in an increasingly turbulent world. "Even though in Norway most things generally function as they normally would, we must remain aware that extreme weather, pandemics, accidents, sabotage — and in the worst case acts of war — can impact us." Several instances of sabotage and arson across the west have been attributed to Russia by senior figures - although the Kremlin denies involvement. Russian and Ukrainian officials met for direct talks today for the first time in three years in Turkey. But even if a ceasefire is agreed, a top security think tank warns Russia could rebuild its military to a worrying capacity as early as 2027. And the International Institute for Strategic Studies has cautioned Putin could deploy his army onto a "war footing" and try to test NATO's Article 5 mutual defence agreement.
The Irish Sun
16-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
Is THIS what a Russian spy looks like? Intel agency releases handy guide on how to spot a Putin operative in your midst
WHEN you think of a spy, you might imagine trench coats and secret dossiers, or perhaps the more glamorous image of vodka martinis and Aston Martins. But one Baltic nation has taken a more practical approach, issuing a handy guide on how its citizens can spot Russian operatives lurking in their midst. Advertisement 6 Federal security service officers guarding the Russian President Vladimir Putin Credit: Alamy 6 The aftermath of a Russian firestorm in Ukraine's Sumy region Credit: AP 6 Some of the characteristics to look out for in a spy One of Latvia's intelligence services has put out a list of telltale signs to help its population sniff out spies. An unkempt appearance and "insufficient hygiene" are listed as some of the top characteristics to look out for - a far cry from the crisp dinner jackets sported by James Bond. But don't expect all Russian spies in the Baltic state to look like they have been sleeping in a bush. A military-style haircut is also a possible indicator that you might be face-to-face with a secret agent. Advertisement read more in world news Perhaps unsurprisingly, asking nosy and intrusive questions of locals is also listed as something to look out for. And tourists who have little knowledge of the area but are surprisingly well-prepared for the great outdoors - such as with medical kits or radios - are also a big red flag. The Defence Intelligence and Security Service (MIDD) has issued the list of characteristics this week to urge its citizens to be alert to threats and regional tensions. The agency said: "The Ukrainian experience shows that Russian special services are able to adapt to the environment and circumstances in which reconnaissance-saboteur groups are used. Advertisement Most read in The US Sun "Their members may not visually correspond to the classic reconnaissance-saboteur profile." Such Russian spies might also hang around near sensitive sights - or sleep in remote areas despite showing little interest in nature. Satellite pics show Putin on the march as Russia masses troops 35 miles from Nato border with 2k soldiers & helicopters But the agency warned citizens not to get their hands dirty with vigilante spy work - and to leave any action to the professionals. They made clear that if any suspicions are flagged, the police and military should take it from there. Advertisement The agency said: "If you do think you might have spotted a sabotage group on Latvian soil, MIDD does not recommend tackling them yourself. "Instead report your suspicions to the State Police , special services, or the nearest armed forces unit.' 6 Wreckage of an MH17 plane shot down by Russia Credit: AP 6 Fire blazes at the site of the wreckage Credit: AP Advertisement This comes as tensions between NATO countries and Russia continue to soar over Putin's barbaric and brutal invasion of Ukraine. Sweden and Finland - both of which joined NATO since 2022 - have been busily issuing booklets on how to survive a war or other disaster. Norway has also published a book with advice for such a scenario. The book reads: "We live in an increasingly turbulent world. Advertisement "Even though in Norway most things generally function as they normally would, we must remain aware that extreme weather , pandemics, accidents, sabotage — and in the worst case acts of war — can impact us." Several instances of sabotage and arson across the west have been attributed to Russia by senior figures - although the Kremlin denies involvement. But even if a ceasefire is agreed, Advertisement And the International Institute for Strategic Studies has cautioned Putin could deploy his army onto a "war footing" and try to test NATO's Article 5 mutual defence agreement. 6 Russian President Vladimir Putin Credit: Alamy
The Sun
16-05-2025
- The Sun
Is THIS what a Russian spy looks like? Intel agency releases handy guide on how to spot a Putin operative in your midst
WHEN you think of a spy, you might imagine trench coats and secret dossiers, or perhaps the more glamorous image of vodka martinis and Aston Martins. But one Baltic nation has taken a more practical approach, issuing a handy guide on how its citizens can spot Russian operatives lurking in their midst. 6 6 6 One of Latvia's intelligence services has put out a list of telltale signs to help its population sniff out spies. An unkempt appearance and "insufficient hygiene" are listed as some of the top characteristics to look out for - a far cry from the crisp dinner jackets sported by James Bond. But don't expect all Russian spies in the Baltic state to look like they have been sleeping in a bush. A military-style haircut is also a possible indicator that you might be face-to-face with a secret agent. Perhaps unsurprisingly, asking nosy and intrusive questions of locals is also listed as something to look out for. And tourists who have little knowledge of the area but are surprisingly well-prepared for the great outdoors - such as with medical kits or radios - are also a big red flag. The Defence Intelligence and Security Service (MIDD) has issued the list of characteristics this week to urge its citizens to be alert to threats and regional tensions. The agency said: "The Ukrainian experience shows that Russian special services are able to adapt to the environment and circumstances in which reconnaissance-saboteur groups are used. "Their members may not visually correspond to the classic reconnaissance-saboteur profile." Such Russian spies might also hang around near sensitive sights - or sleep in remote areas despite showing little interest in nature. Satellite pics show Putin on the march as Russia masses troops 35 miles from Nato border with 2k soldiers & helicopters But the agency warned citizens not to get their hands dirty with vigilante spy work - and to leave any action to the professionals. They made clear that if any suspicions are flagged, the police and military should take it from there. The agency said: "If you do think you might have spotted a sabotage group on Latvian soil, MIDD does not recommend tackling them yourself. "Instead report your suspicions to the State Police, special services, or the nearest armed forces unit.' 6 6 This comes as tensions between NATO countries and Russia continue to soar over Putin's barbaric and brutal invasion of Ukraine. Sweden and Finland - both of which joined NATO since 2022 - have been busily issuing booklets on how to survive a war or other disaster. Norway has also published a book with advice for such a scenario. The book reads: "We live in an increasingly turbulent world. "Even though in Norway most things generally function as they normally would, we must remain aware that extreme weather, pandemics, accidents, sabotage — and in the worst case acts of war — can impact us." Several instances of sabotage and arson across the west have been attributed to Russia by senior figures - although the Kremlin denies involvement. But even if a ceasefire is agreed, a top security think tank warns Russia could rebuild its military to a worrying capacity as early as 2027. And the International Institute for Strategic Studies has cautioned Putin could deploy his army onto a "war footing" and try to test NATO's Article 5 mutual defence agreement. 6
