KGB

Belarus, Ukraine
How Kyiv dismantled Belarusian volunteer militia Pagonia

Pagonia, a group of anti-Lukashenko dissidents, had hoped to be on the front line against Russian forces in Ukraine. However, it stumbled on the realities of the ground, and on interference from the Ukrainian intelligence, eager to keep control of its territory.

Armenia
Armenia plans security apparatus overhaul under watchful eyes of neighbours

Armenia's 2023 budget discussions bring back into the public debate the creation of an external intelligence service, at a time of instability in the political and security environment in the region.

Belarus
Belarus intelligence spreads fog of war over defectors and prisoners

The Belarusian KGB and ministry of the interior have been using real and fake arrests to spread confusion as it takes a more staunchly pro-Russian line. This is accompanied by attempts to infiltrate opposition movements.

Kazakhstan
International partners eye Kazakh defence industry privatisations

The controversial privatisation of parts of Kazakh Engineering, Kazakhstan's flagship defence conglomerate, a hot-button topic between the country's government and parliament, is being closely observed by Turkey, Israel, Europe and other partner countries.

Russia
New FSB special forces chief takes charge

Alexander Bondarenko is the new commander of the FSB's special forces and will oversee counter-terrorism, critical infrastructure protection and operational support operations in Ukraine. Predecessor Alexander Tikhonov is stepping down following a legal scandal.

Belarus, European Union, United States
APCO working on both sides of Belarusian unrest

Washington-based lobbying giant APCO just terminated a contract it had just signed with dissident Sviatlana Tskihanouskaya. From Vilnius, she is leading a movement opposing the regime in Minsk. In 2021, APCO briefly represented the opposite side.

Belarus, Russia
Is Belarus about to go to war with Ukraine?

Since the announcement of a partial mobilisation in Russia and the possible transformation of the "special military operation" in Ukraine into an official war, all parties are evaluating the risk of direct involvement of Belarusian troops in the hostilities.

The Intelligence Gazette
New public security director in Jordan, Susnjara candidate for DRSD, Kalinovsky Regiment goes political, sex scandal in Copenhagen

Appointments reforms and key issues: every Monday, Intelligence Online reports on developments great and small in the global intelligence community. This week, we bring news from Amman, Paris, Minsk and Copenhagen.

JordanAbdallah II appoints new public security chief to combat drug trafficking.

FrancePhilippe Susnjara favourite to head the DRSD.

Belarus/UkraineKalinovsky Regiment goes political.

DenmarkRevelations about spy chief's sex life threaten Social Democrats

Belarus
Combative opposition homes in on Lukashenko's private security firm Gardservis

As the risk of political unrest in Belarus grows and the war in Ukraine threatens to spill over its southern border, the Belorussian president is cranking up his own personal security, for which he relies on the small private company Gardservis.

Azerbaijan
Baku intelligence prioritises cyber upgrades

Hoping to tap into the exodus of Russian and Ukrainian IT experts to boost their own pool of experts, the Azerbaijani intelligence services are determined to modernise their cyber ecosystem.

Belarus
Infighting tears apart Belarus opposition as Moscow, EU and US watch

Rival factions of the Belarusian opposition in exile have openly descended into infighting, accusing each other of collusion with foreign intelligence or even with the government in Minsk. Meanwhile, armed groups continue to plot the regime's downfall.

Belarus, Russia
Belarus's KGB administers caution on intelligence cooperation with Russia

The Russian and Belarusian intelligence chiefs met in Moscow on 7 July for what was a routine meeting but not one without its share of tension. Minsk is striving to retain autonomy from its great neighbour to the east.

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