Russian secret service using visa arrangements

Jun 19, 2008
In cooperation with BNS

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

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

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

In the second half of the year two more officers of political intelligence from SVR attended Russian events in Estonia, while brief visits here using diplomatic passports have been made by numerous representatives of Russian special services, including by several intelligence officers 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 consolidate the Russian community of Estonia coordinate its activity, the Security Police has stated.  

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