KGB

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 Agencies' 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

Uzbekistan
With new monopoly, National Guard eats further into SGB's powers

A veritable incubator of trusted men for Uzbek President Mirziyoyev, the National Guard continues to gain power over the historic intelligence service inherited from the KGB, the SGB. Its latest prerogative is to become the sole provider of security services to the private sector.

Germany, Russia, United States
How a cyber provider to Russia conglomerates continues to operate in the US and Germany

The cybersecurity firm Infotecs, which has been providing its services to Russian state groups for decades, is now keeping much quieter about its international activities, carried by its US and German branches under a brand-new name.

Russia
Before shakeups, Kremlin hawks engage in power game with siloviki

Former president Dmitry Medvedev as well as Viasheslav Volodin and Andrei Turchak are hoping to profit from the war in Ukraine and the confrontation with the West to climb the ladder in the Russian regime.

Azerbaijan, Georgia, Russia
FSB keeps close watch on Caucasian borders

The FSB's border patrol is hard at work in the highly volatile Caucasus region, along Russian borders with Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. The number of control sites is growing and growing.

Belarus, Russia
Minsk opposition keeps up connections with Moscow

The Belarusian opposition faction led by Valery Tsepkalo, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya's rival, is keeping in with Russian contacts who are ready and willing to back popular and political activism against Lukashenko.

Russia
Moscow's shadow advisers, intelligence officers and lobbyists lay low

As the hunt for those responsible for Russia's setbacks in Ukraine continues, lobbyists, private consultants and advisers close to the Kremlin, as well as former and current civil servants, are fearing a wave of purges.

The Agencies' Gazette
PKK leaders, DGSI, SCO, DoS in Georgia, France-Ukraine

Appointments, reforms and the issues at stake: every Monday, Intelligence Online serves up snippets big and small from the global intelligence community. This week, from Sinjar to Paris via Shanghai, Kyiv, Washington and Tbilisi.

IraqPKK renews high command's mandate and reaffirms strategic priorities

FranceDGSI's role in counterterrorism secured

Russia/ChinaBeijing counts on Russia to promote SCO

USA/GeorgiaWashington confirms its commitment to Tbilisi

France/UkraineFlorence Parly sticks to low estimate on Paris's Ukraine spending

Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan's security council drafts new military doctrine

The Kazakh government's desire to strengthen its grip on the security apparatus has prompted it to launch an ambitious project to reform it, which is being carried out by recently appointed officials.

Belarus
Power-struggles cause turmoil in Minsk security circles

Smear campaigns, orchestrated leaks and a coup plot: with Belarus' role in the war in Ukraine in the balance, the country's political and security elite have been struggling to have President Alexander Lukashenko's ear and the support of the intelligence services.