MI5 chief says Russian intelligence is recruiting criminals to create chaos in UK, Europe

This was stated by Ken McCallum, head of the British counterintelligence service MI5, as reported by Radio Svoboda.

He explained that after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, over 750 Russian diplomats were expelled from Europe, many of whom, he said, were spies. McCallum believes this has weakened Russia’s intelligence operations, forcing them to enlist criminal networks and third-country nationals to carry out "arson, sabotage, and other actions."

Despite these setbacks, McCallum stressed that Russian intelligence has not given up on its "mission to create chaos."

He didn't specify exact details, but in recent months, UK and European authorities have reported multiple suspected sabotage incidents allegedly orchestrated by Russian agents, alongside the exposure of several plots aimed at carrying out sabotage.

Russian officials, however, deny involvement in these acts, accusing London of trying to "whip up anti-Russian hysteria."

McCallum also noted that, since 2022, British intelligence and police have thwarted 20 Iranian-backed plots, some involving planned assassinations. Meanwhile, China’s intelligence services focus mainly on industrial and scientific espionage.

The MI5 chief concluded that the mix of terrorism threats and espionage from hostile states makes his agency’s job "incredibly complex."

• Politico also reports that Norway’s intelligence chief raised alarms over Russian sabotage in Europe, warning that the Kremlin is becoming increasingly bold in its hybrid warfare tactics.