Personality protection service serves as siloviki incubator for the Kremlin

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. [...]

• 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

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. [...]

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. [...]

After own promotion, Korolev joins promotion commission 

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

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. [...]

Alexey Dyumin tipped to head FSB 

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

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 [...]

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. [...]

FSO low-key about contract 

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