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Is Japan a ‘spy paradise’ fuelling Russia’s war machine?

Asia-Pacific 1 source 1 country 🔦 Under-reported 15m ago

# Japan Concerns as Russian Agents Reportedly Relocate and Procure Wartime Materials

A media report has raised concerns about Russia's intelligence operations in Japan, with dozens of Russian agents said to have relocated to Tokyo after being expelled from Western European countries. According to reporting, these operatives are actively purchasing components intended for Russia's military operations in Ukraine, prompting questions about the country's counterintelligence capabilities.

The situation has intensified existing worries among officials and observers that Japan operates with insufficient safeguards against foreign espionage. The concern centers on the ability of foreign intelligence services to conduct operations with relative freedom, taking advantage of what some characterize as gaps in Japan's security oversight and regulatory framework.

The relocation of Russian intelligence personnel to Japan represents a shift in operational geography, with agents moving away from more heavily monitored Western European locations. The procurement activity underscores how supply chain networks function across jurisdictions to support Russia's military efforts, with Tokyo apparently serving as an accessible hub for acquiring dual-use technology and components.

This development highlights broader vulnerabilities in Japan's national security posture and raises questions about coordination with Western allies on counterintelligence matters during a period of heightened geopolitical tension over Russia's actions in Ukraine.

In-depth summary · AI, neutral
Read the full story at the source South China Morning Post · HK