Swiss intelligence: Geneva may become centre of Russian espionage in Europe

Geneva may become the centre of Russian espionage in Europe. There are already several dozen Russian spies in the city.

“Various European countries have recently expelled Russian intelligence officers. As a result, Russian intelligence services may send their officers to such countries as Switzerland that have not expelled Russian spies,” RBC-Ukraine reports with reference to the Swiss Federal Intelligence Service’s report.

In an interview with Swiss German-language Tages-Anzeiger newspaper, Head of the Swiss Secret Service Christian Dussey has confirmed that Geneva is the centre of Russian espionage. 

“We know that there are several dozen agents operating here who hold positions in Russian diplomatic and consular missions,” he said.

According to the Swiss Intelligence Service, espionage is developed in Geneva because there are important international organisations, diplomatic missions, think tanks, research institutes and multinational corporations, including commodity traders and companies rendering financial and other services in Switzerland.

All these organisations spread huge information which has great importance for intelligence agencies.

Moreover, Geneva regularly hosts numerous international summits and conferences, being the venue for interstate negotiations and consultations.

“Spies under the guise of diplomats can participate in negotiations and exert direct influence on them,” the Swiss Intelligence Service said.