Russian Spies Use Crypto to Recruit Teens for Sabotage Across Europe
Russian spies are allegedly using Telegram and cryptocurrency to incite chaos across Europe by recruiting teenagers and young adults to carry out acts of sabotage and violence.
According to a study released by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD), Russian actors have been targeting these individuals via 'com networks' on Telegram, where participants compete for clout by uploading harmful content.
The ISD study revealed that these Russian-linked groups have offered cryptocurrency payments, including thousands of dollars worth of USDT, to individuals in exchange for carrying out attacks such as arson and vandalism.
One notable example cited in the study involved a 22-year-old Ukrainian who was allegedly offered a payment in return for attacking former UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's house. This incident was linked to Direct Action, a Russian-manufactured far-right group.