Intelligence service guides: Four signs someone might be a Russian spy

Russias war in Ukraine has lasted for nearly four years, with both sides getting weapons and supplies from their allies.

In Russias case also manpower in the form of North Korean soldiers and allegedly Chinese citizens as well.

But in the Russian point of view, Russia is effectively at war with all of NATO. In an attempt to avoid the NATO-countries activating Article 5, also known as the Musketeers Oath, Russia wage an undercover war against the NATO-members.

There have been several examples of Russian cyber attacks aimed at NATO-countries as well as suspected sabotage and russian spies being caught and deportet.

Intelligence service makes guide

Earlier this year, one of the Latvian intelligence services published a guide to the population on how to spot possible Russian infiltrators, amid fears that the country is next on Putin’s hit-list.

The Guardian reported at the time, that the Latvian Defence Intelligence and Security Service (MIDD) published the guide in its annual report to help the two million Latvians spot possible Russian operatives walking amongst them.

When looking for spies, you would maybe seek out the nearest casino and look for a man in a suit sipping a Vodka Martini (shaken, not stirred) – but according to the MIDD, you’re looking for the exact opposite of a James Bond-figure

4 things to look for

• Insufficient hygiene: According to MIDD, you should be looking for individuals with “insufficient hygiene” that possibly also have a shabby or unkempt appearance.
• Look at the haircut: Furthermore, the MIDD advise Latvians to look at the haircut, as a short, military-style one might be a red flag as well.
• Nosing around: Regarding their behaviour, your alarm should sound if someone makes nosy smalltalk with locals.
• More than enough equipment: The final red flag mentioned is if a tourist does not know the terrain, but seems to be overequipped with things such as maps, radios or medical kits.

The MIDD says that Russian operatives have upped their game in recent years, and the guide published could help the public spot possible Russian operators targeting “critical infrastructure and military facilities” for sabotage, hits and general formenting of unrest.

Sources: The Guardian, MIDD

This article is made and published by Jens Asbjørn Bogen, who may have used AI in the preparation