Lately, there has been an increase in espionage activities by Russia in Switzerland. In Geneva, Russian diplomats installed satellite antennas on their houses without the permission of local authorities, causing concern among experts and the government.
Why Antennas Raise Suspicion
Russian representations in Geneva have equipped their buildings with four large satellite antennas, which are purportedly used for intercepting electronic signals. These devices can gather data from communication networks and intercept signals from satellites.
Intelligence expert Adrian Hänni stated that the presence of such antennas indicates Russia’s intensification of aggressive espionage activities in Europe. According to him, Geneva has become a “rear base” for Russian spies.
Legislative Violations
Swiss laws require obtaining special permission for installing significant-size satellite antennas. However, Russian diplomats have only submitted one request for such a permit since 2006. The Geneva canton authorities confirmed that installing antennas without the proper permit is a violation.
Scope of Espionage Activity
The Swiss intelligence estimates that about a third of Russian diplomats in the country are engaged in espionage.
Overall, there are approximately 80 Russian agents operating in Switzerland, using their diplomatic status as cover.
Geneva, as an international center housing numerous headquarters of the UN, international organizations, and conferences, is an ideal location for espionage.
Switzerland’s Response
The Swiss authorities have begun to intensively monitor the actions of Russian diplomats following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In 2022, Switzerland joined the EU sanctions, although traditionally it maintained a neutral status.
In response to the increasing espionage activity, the authorities are considering the possibility of deporting diplomats involved in intelligence activities. Security measures around international organizations are also being strengthened.
What it means for Europe
The increased Russian intelligence operations in Switzerland demonstrate Moscow’s desire to gain access to strategic information. European countries are increasingly focused on combating espionage, which has become an integral part of modern international conflicts.
Despite its neutrality, Switzerland finds itself at the center of the global battle for information, which has become a crucial factor in contemporary geopolitical rivalries.
