Russian Spies Using Crypto to Recruit Young Europeans for Sabotage

Russian intelligence agents are using Telegram and cryptocurrency to recruit teenagers and young adults across Europe for acts of sabotage and violence, according to a study by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue.

The study reveals that Russian actors are targeting this age group through 'com networks' on Telegram, where participants compete for clout by sharing harmful content. Two videos shared in these groups depicted individuals committing vandalism in the UK.

One week after these incidents, Ukrainian police arrested two minors who were allegedly planning to attack their school with guns and explosives at the behest of the Russian Federation.