Kathrine Frich
It was a calculated and multi-layered espionage play.
It was a calculated and multi-layered espionage play.
Argentina Says ‘Nyet’ to Moscow Meddling
Argentina has revealed that it uncovered a Russian spy ring operating on its soil.
The group was allegedly running disinformation campaigns to sway public opinion and promote Moscow’s agenda, right under Buenos Aires’ nose.
The Kremlin’s Footprint: ‘The Company’
According to Argentine authorities, the group, calling itself “The Company”, was deeply embedded in the country’s social and political fabric.
Intelligence services say it had direct links to the Russian government and the infamous “Lakhta Project,” a Kremlin-backed scheme the U.S. has accused of global disinformation operations.
Power Couple at the Helm
At the center of the operation were two Russian nationals: Lev Konstantinovich Andriashvili and his wife, Irina Iakovenko.
Both were living in Argentina and reportedly responsible for funnelling funds and recruiting local allies for Moscow’s cause.
Their mission: build a loyal pro-Russian network within Argentina.
Disinformation Meets Domestic Politics
Argentine officials say the couple wasn’t just posting fake news.
Their influence campaign extended to manipulating civil society, organizing discussion groups, infiltrating NGOs, and even trying to gather classified information deemed state secrets.
The President Draws a Line
Presidential spokesperson Manuel Adorni made the country’s stance crystal clear: “Argentina will not submit to the influence of another nation.”
The bold message signals a sharp break from any tolerance of foreign interference, and a direct challenge to Russian soft power in the region.
Milei’s Hard Pivot From BRICS
President Javier Milei’s government has taken a hardline stance against Moscow from day one.
Just weeks after taking office in late 2023, he reversed Argentina’s planned entry into BRICS, the economic bloc that includes Russia and China.
His reasoning? He doesn’t “make deals with communists.”
Kremlin Pushes Back
Russia didn’t stay silent. Senior Duma member Leonid Slutsky defended Moscow, stating “no one is forced” to join BRICS.
Still, the Argentine spy bust adds weight to Milei’s skepticism of Russian influence, and hints at a growing geopolitical split in Latin America.