The Czech Republic’s counter-intelligence agency (BIS) announced on Monday that it has helped dismantle a spy network operated by Belarus across Europe, working in coordination with intelligence services in Hungary and Romania.
According to BIS, the network involved agents from Belarus’ central security agency, the KGB, who were uncovered in several European countries. Among those implicated was a former deputy head of Moldova’s intelligence service (SIS), accused of passing classified information to the KGB.
The Czech Foreign Ministry confirmed it had expelled a Belarusian agent operating under diplomatic cover, giving the individual 72 hours to leave the country. BIS chief Michal Koudelka stressed the need for tighter restrictions on the movement of Russian and Belarusian diplomats within the Schengen area, calling it crucial to counter “hostile activities” in Europe.
Belarus, led by President Aliaksandr Lukashenka, remains a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Minsk has allowed Russian forces to use its territory during the invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and later hosted tactical nuclear weapons. BIS noted that Belarus was able to build its spy network primarily due to the unrestricted travel privileges of its diplomats within Europe.
Also Read:
In Texas, a Deadly Measles Outbreak Does little to Dispel Vaccine Skepticism
