A network of Russian recruiters tasked with training saboteurs has been uncovered in Europe
In Eastern European countries, law enforcement agencies have uncovered a large-scale network recruiting local residents to carry out sabotage operations on behalf of the Russian Federation.
The perpetrators are recruiting civilians for operations aimed at destabilizing European states, disguising their training as offers of easy money.
According to the Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, recruiters are primarily active in Moldova, Bulgaria, and Serbia.
Potential candidates are promised payment ranging from $300 to $500 for a two-week trip involving active recreation.
“The identified recruiters offer residents of Moldova, Bulgaria, Serbia, and other Eastern European countries ‘easy money’—$300–500 and a paid two-week trip with active recreation,” the agency’s statement notes.
In reality, under the guise of a vacation, the recruited individuals end up in specialized training camps. There, they are taught specific skills necessary for carrying out hybrid attacks on European Union territory.
The training program includes mastering the skills of operating unmanned aerial vehicles and using incendiary devices.
Mercenaries are also taught methods of actively countering police officers during mass protests and riots.
Particular attention is drawn to the fact that the instructors at these camps are individuals directly linked to the former Wagner Group.
The Russian side deliberately uses their specific combat experience to export violence abroad.
After completing the training course, saboteurs are sent to various European countries to carry out specific missions.
This approach allows Moscow to conduct aggressive operations while minimizing the risk of direct exposure of Russian intelligence personnel.
As a reminder, Russia is recruiting Europeans to training camps in the Balkans.
The Russian Federation is also recruiting Kenyans for the war against Ukraine through deception.
