A joint investigation by Reuters and blockchain analytics firms has revealed a shocking new strategy employed by Russia’s security services. The FSB (Federal Security Service) and GRU (Main Intelligence Directorate) are allegedly funding covert operations involving teenagers in Europe and Ukraine using Bitcoin. This secretive network reportedly involves activities like espionage, vandalism, arson, mercenary hiring, and even bribery of European politicians.
The investigation highlights a case where Laken Pavan, a Canadian teenager recruited through Telegram, was paid $500 in Bitcoin to install surveillance cameras, spread propaganda targeting the Polish military, and face charges for this activity. Further analysis by blockchain research firm Recoveris reveals a $600 million Bitcoin wallet that has been used to fund these operations since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in June 2022.
The decentralized nature of Bitcoin makes it challenging to track its usage for illicit purposes, sparking concerns about the growing use of cryptocurrencies by state actors and their potential impact on global security.