Russia
Personality protection service serves as siloviki incubator for the Kremlin

Russia
Russian customs service fights to extend its responsibilities

For years there was talk of Russia's customs service, the FTS, becoming part of the FSB, and the long-standing rivalry with the internal intelligence department has tarnished the two services ability to cooperate. However, a bill is now being pushed through to extend the FTS's responsibilities.

The Intelligence Gazette
Cairo shifts view on Syria, DGSE on Order of Liberation board, drones for Portuguese military, ex-FSO to Russian Security Council, CIA moles

Appointments, reforms and key issues: every Monday, Intelligence Online serves up snippets of news, big and small, from the global intelligence community. This week we hone in on Cairo, Moscow, Lisbon and Paris.

Egypt/Syria Cairo shifts position on Syria's return to Arab League

Portugal Military intelligence eyes US drones

Russia Yet another ex-FSO officer joins Security Council

France DGSE wants seat on Order of the Liberation board

United States Baer vs Redmond, score settling between former CIA officers over a book

Russia
Next generation of Russian siloviki blocked by old guard

The Kremlin allowed its most powerful generals to stay on an extra 5 years beyond retirement age and is now looking to extend their careers even further on an ad hoc basis, dashing the prospects of younger officers.

Russia
Changes in FSB regional heads highlight rising stars

While FSB officers' assignments are often the subject of fierce rivalries between ambitious young men, the positions of regional heads are kept for the most promising among them. The new postings give a glimpse of some of Moscow's future leaders but also reveal those who are being dispensed with for having not met Russia's domestic spy agency's expectations.

Russia
After own promotion, Korolev joins promotion commission

Vladimir Putin issued a decree on 18 March making recently-appointed [...]

Russia, Ukraine, United States
Igor Lopatonok carries the torch of Russian influence in Hollywood

The Ukrainian-born filmmaker and executive producer of "Snowden", Igor Lopatonok is now both a US and Russian citizen, making him a prime relay of pro-Kremlin positions in California.

Russia
Alexey Dyumin tipped to head FSB

General Sergueï Smirnov retired as former number two of the [...]

Russia
FSB still at home in Kremlin

Former Kremlin official and FSB officer Mikhail Gorbatov's recent conviction for major fraud brought to light the large number of [...]

Russia
Trio of internal intelligence generals in favour with the Kremlin

Three internal intelligence officials have received appointments in the Russian administration recently, underscoring the rising influence of several key figures.

Russia
FSO low-key about contract

The Federal Protective Service (FSO), which handles security for VIPs, [...]