FT: The Kremlin Has Launched A Crackdown On Top Executives At European Defense Companies

Security measures for executives at such companies in the EU are being stepped up.

Russian intelligence agencies are stepping up their efforts to plot assassinations of executives at European defense companies, including manufacturers of drones and drone components. This was Financial Times was informed by representatives of five European intelligence agencies. According to their information, the Kremlin is expanding sabotage and other “hybrid” operations in Europe, seeking to weaken support for Ukraine in the coming months. Amid these threats, defense contractors are stepping up security for their executives.

According to FT sources, the Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) is primarily involved in organizing such operations. It is expanding its cooperation with organized crime groups and utilizing intelligence networks operating in various countries. “The threat level in Europe has risen. This applies to both property and people,” said a high-ranking European intelligence official. According to the FT, European intelligence agencies have been able to identify and thwart several planned operations. In a number of cases, they also detected signs of surveillance of potential targets near their homes and at their workplaces.

The German domestic intelligence service (BfV) has stepped up cooperation with the management and employees of defense companies, in particular by recommending that they hire private security. The agency’s head, Sinan Selen, warned German lawmakers that Russia is deliberately planning attacks on individuals. According to him, organized crime groups are increasingly involved in such operations.

Several executives at defense companies told the FT on condition of anonymity that they have stepped up personal security over the past six months following recommendations from intelligence agencies. Others take additional security measures only when traveling abroad. Industry representatives fear that the costs of protecting employees and production facilities will become a serious financial burden, especially for startups. One company even relocated its production to another part of Western Europe due to threats from Russia.

European intelligence agencies believe that such operations are intended not only to eliminate specific individuals but also to intimidate representatives of the defense industry so that they are afraid to cooperate with Ukraine. At the same time, sources speaking to the FT note that some alleged Russian agents act unprofessionally, which allows intelligence agencies to detect and thwart their activities.

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