Russia Uses Blackmail and Financial Incentives to Recruit Spies, Say Berlin Officials

In recent developments, Russian intelligence operations are facing significant disruption due to the expulsion of diplomats from Germany and other European countries, following underestimations of Ukraine’s defense capabilities. Berlin officials revealed that Russia is countering these setbacks by blackmailing and offering large financial incentives to recruit new spies. German officials disclosed a case where two Germans were paid $428,560 for espionage activities. The German Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) warned that compromising information is being used aggressively to recruit German diplomats.
Additionally, numerous European nations have reported an increase in Russian spy activities. The FSB has also reportedly allowed spies to leave the country amid the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, further complicating the intelligence landscape. The U.K. has shifted its counter-intelligence focus from terrorism to espionage due to heightened recruitment by Russia, China, and Iran. There are also concerns about Russia recruiting violent extremists for sabotage missions in Europe and the U.K.
In a related context, Ukraine’s 3rd Assault Brigade reported intensified Russian military efforts to capture Borova in Kharkiv Oblast, highlighting ongoing hostilities in the region.