Ukraine, spy stationed on the border with Hungary. “Base” of the Russian 007 in Europe

In Hungary, the European outpost of Russian spies who have a secure base in Budapest and a hub to the mainland. The Russian embassy “has 56 accredited elements, 10 more than last year: it can guarantee support, logistics and support” explains Corriere della Sera according to which the Moscow 007s in Budapest that enjoy diplomatic coverage “probably operate in neighboring countries or in EU and NATO States”. Vladimir Putin’s spies can have secure housing, cars with foreign plates, freedom of movement thanks to Hungary’s permissive attitude, which depends on the tsar for energy and often “has no hostile stance towards the Kremlin, despite being part of the Born”.

The latest case leads to war in Ukraine. A few days ago, Kiev special forces allegedly stopped a man at the Hungarian border. After a search, it turned out that he had hidden in his anus a USB flash drive containing confidential and classified information about the Ukrainian defense, such as bases and depots, secret services (SBU), military intelligence (GUR), the Azov movement. The spy would be a former employee of the Ukrainian Ministry of Interior and, according to the indictment, he probably had to deliver the material to “an employee who works with the diplomatic representation of Moscow in the Hungarian capital”.

The relationship between Russia and Hungary also involves Sergey Naryshkin, head of Russian services, who “has links with Antal Rogan, head of Viktor Orbán’s office and supervisor of security agencies”. Among other things, “his son Andrey obtained a Hungarian residence permit with his family and can move to the EU.” Many EU countries have expelled Russian spies and diplomats, this has not happened in Hungary and there are fears that Moscow’s 007 “may have free rein and exploit complicity”.