Eastern European Intelligence Network Linked to Belarus Dismantled by Regional Agencies.
Romanian, Hungarian, and Czech intelligence services have successfully uncovered and dismantled a covert Belarusian spy network operating across Europe. As part of the response, the Czech Republic announced the expulsion of a Belarusian embassy staffer implicated in the espionage activities.
The Czech Security and Information Service (BIS) reported that the network had been orchestrated by Belarus’ State Security Committee (KGB), which sought to recruit agents and gather sensitive intelligence across multiple European countries. Among those exposed was a former deputy head of Moldova’s intelligence service (SIS), who was allegedly preparing to transmit classified information to Belarusian authorities.
Czech officials emphasized that the network’s success was facilitated by the freedom of movement enjoyed by EU residents, which allowed Belarusian operatives to travel and coordinate activities across borders. The Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it had declared the implicated diplomat persona non grata, stressing:
“We will not tolerate the misuse of diplomatic cover for intelligence operations.”
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed that the Internal Security Agency (ABW) apprehended a Belarusian agent on September 8, following close cooperation with Czech and Romanian intelligence services. Tusk further announced that a Belarusian diplomat who had been actively supporting KGB operations against Poland would also be expelled from the country.
The joint operation highlights growing concerns among European nations over Belarusian intelligence activities on the continent. Security services noted that the network was sophisticated and included individuals with significant access to sensitive information, underlining the persistent threat posed by state-sponsored espionage from Belarus.
Officials have described the operation as a coordinated effort to protect national security and uphold the integrity of European institutions against foreign interference, sending a strong message that the misuse of diplomatic immunity for espionage will not be tolerated.
