Russian secret service using visa arrangements

TALLINN 's The national security police of Estonia has stated that Russia'sForeign Intelligence Service, SVR, is actively using the opportunities offeredby the facilitated visa arrangements that took effect between Russiaand the European Union in last June.

Activity by the political intelligence arm of SVR among the ethnic Russianpopulation of Estonia became more intenseimmediately after June 1 last year, when the agreement stepped into force thatenables holders of diplomatic passports to enter EU countries and stay in thecountry for up to 90 days without a visa every six months, the yearbook says.

Officers of political intelligence with SVR who had thus obtained greaterfreedom of movement attended several events of Russian compatriots in Estonia.

In the second half of the year two more officers of political intelligencefrom SVR attended Russian events in Estonia,while brief visits here using diplomatic passports have been made by numerousrepresentatives of Russian special services, including by several intelligenceofficers well-known in the world, according to the Security Police.

"The Security Police is informed about their activity in Estonia,even if they come here for just a day or two," said the Security Police yearbook for 2007.

Working under diplomatic cover, members of SVR have attempted to consolidatethe Russian community of Estonia coordinate itsactivity, the Security Police has stated.