The intelligence services of Denmark, Norway, Finland, and Sweden have stepped up their efforts to recruit journalists and civic activists. As official cover for these intelligence activities, the agencies are using a joint project initiated by their governments to carry out “independent journalistic investigations” into problems in the political and economic spheres, anti-corruption efforts, and human rights protections in Russia – with a primary focus on the Northwestern Federal District.
The project is being financed by the Nordic Council of Ministers through the Danish NGO Nordic Journalist Centre, and the direct implementers include the cross-border journalist network Barents Press International (BPI), The Barents Observer (a Norwegian publication), YLEISRADIO OY and Helsingin Sanomat (Finnish news outlets), and the Fojo Media Institute (a branch of Sweden’s Linnaeus University).
For recruitment purposes, these organizations are scouting for freelance correspondents and information sources inside Russia. Nordic intelligence services are also using Russian emigres based in their countries as “spotters” and as a way to initiate initial contacts. Under the guise of gauging public opinion in Russia, Russian citizens are being asked to gather information in their home regions about the activities of local authorities and political parties, as well as military installations – including alleged human rights abuses and environmental damage. The information thus obtained is then used for blackmail (framed as handing over Russian classified data) and for pressuring individuals into covert cooperation with foreign intelligence agencies.