International effort uncovers hidden Russian spy network

• Counterintelligence agencies from eight countries dismantled a network of Russian spies.
• Russian agents assumed new identities in Brazil to operate in other countries.
• International cooperation intensified following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine.

The collaboration among counterintelligence services from these eight countries led to the dismantling of a network of Russian spies. Agents changed their identities in Brazil and operated in various countries, including Portugal. Lisbon's media reported this, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in unraveling the case.

Russian operatives utilized Brazil to change their identities. A Brazilian passport allows for easy worldwide travel, which facilitated their espionage activities.

The dismantled network included, among others, a Russian couple who had lived in Porto since 2018. The couple quickly integrated into the local community. Wladimir and Jekaterina Danilov were exposed, like other Russian spies operating under assumed Brazilian identities, following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, "after cooperation between Western security services intensified."

Brazilian television Globo reported that Greek services were the first to expose another Russian spy using a Brazilian identity—Artem Schmyriev.

Schmyriev, who operated as Gerhard Wittich, lived in Rio de Janeiro and ran a 3D printing business. His fiancée, a Brazilian official, represented Brazil at international events. Schmyriev disappeared in Malaysia, which led to his exposure by Greek counterintelligence.

Services from the USA, Israel, the Netherlands, Norway, Uruguay, and Greece participated in dismantling the network.

The operation demonstrates the critical importance of international cooperation in combating espionage activities. Thanks to joint efforts, a network of Russian agents was exposed and dismantled, marking a significant step toward enhancing security on the international stage.