Russian intelligence recruited Irish MP as propaganda agent

Politico reported the information.

According to the outlet, a member of the Irish parliament has been cooperating with Russian intelligence since 2019, acting as a propagandist and emissary for the Kremlin.

Commenting on the situation, Irish Foreign Minister Simon Harris said that it did not come as a surprise to him, given the increased activity of Russian intelligence in Ireland after the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. He emphasized that Russia is seeking to influence public opinion in the international arena.

According to reports, the MP was recruited in 2019, when Russia was trying to fuel tensions between Ireland and the UK related to Brexit. The MP's contacts with the Russian side, in particular with Sergey Prokopiev, who was expelled from Ireland in 2022 as a GRU officer, continue to this day. A Russian agent, who had a romantic relationship with the MP, was used to maintain communication.

The police, according to sources, ordered the MP to stop contacting Russian intelligence, but he ignored it. The investigation did not reveal any transfer of classified documents or receipt of money from Russia.

The opposition MP was reportedly tasked with establishing contacts with illegal paramilitary groups in Northern Ireland. 

• Irish “journalist” Chay Bowes was caught spreading pro-Russian and anti-Ukrainian narratives to Western audiences.