Russia's GRU Is Using Japan to Procure Technology While Circumventing Sanctions — NYT

Following the mass expulsion of Russian diplomats from Western countries in 2022, some GRU operatives relocated to Japan. The country became a key element in schemes to acquire dual-use technologies due to its combination of a developed high-tech sector and the absence of strict anti-espionage legislation. According to Ukrainian sources, about 90% of Russian missiles and drones contain components manufactured in Japan.

The operation is led by the GRU’s classified 20th Directorate. One of the key figures in the investigation is Maxim Filchenkov, who arrived in Tokyo in February 2024 under the cover of a position at Aeroflot. He established a logistics chain through the company Proco Air, which leases cargo space on flights to third countries (notably Vietnam), from where the goods are subsequently transported to Russia. The recipients of the shipments also include entities linked to sanctioned businessmen, such as Alexei Repik, the founder of the pharmaceutical company “R-Pharm.”

Ukraine has repeatedly sent diplomatic notes to the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs detailing the Japanese microchips and transmitters found in the weapons. Although manufacturers and logistics companies deny direct shipments and cite the use of gray-market imports via third countries, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry has confirmed that it is tightening controls to prevent attempts to circumvent sanctions. Tokyo is also facing difficulties in holding agents accountable: due to loopholes in the law, it is often impossible to detain exposed spies before they leave the country.

This was reported by The New York Times, citing sources in Western and Ukrainian intelligence agencies.