Lanka named in Russia spy network report

Sri Lanka has been identified among third countries allegedly used by procurement networks to move components into Russia amid efforts to bypass restrictions on direct exports, according to a report by The New York Times.

The report said networks involved in supplying dual-use technology to Russia have relied on intermediary companies and third countries, including Vietnam, Uzbekistan and Sri Lanka, to transport components needed for Moscow’s war effort in Ukraine.

Japan on Monday said it recognised the need to strengthen measures against foreign intelligence activities after the New York Times reported that Russia had turned Japan into a major hub for intelligence gathering and procurement of restricted technology.

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said Tokyo was aware of the growing need to counter foreign intelligence activities, including the acquisition of critical information that could threaten Japan’s national security.

“Japan must address this issue with even greater rigour,” Kihara told reporters, while declining to comment directly on the newspaper’s investigation.

The New York Times report, citing Ukrainian government estimates, said around 90 per cent of Russian missiles and drones contained Japanese components. It alleged that Russia was exploiting Japan’s weak espionage laws to obtain dual-use technology required for its military operations.

The report claimed that Russia’s procurement activities in Japan were being overseen by Maksim Vladimirovich Filchenkov, described as a Russian intelligence operative working under cover at the Tokyo office of Russian airline Aeroflot.

Kihara said Japan’s parliament had approved legislation this year to establish a new national body aimed at coordinating the country’s fragmented intelligence operations.