KGB

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.

Spymaster | Azerbaijan
Spymaster Beyler Eyyubov, the Aliyev clan's steadfast protector

Azerbaijan's presidential family has been putting its trust in the intelligence chief for years. He first handled the personal security of Heydar Aliyev, and has continued to do the same for the late head of state's son and successor, Ilham Aliyev.

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 Agencies' 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 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.