U.S. officials and former intelligence officers are warning that Russian intelligence services are aggressively building up their presence in Mexico, possibly to conduct spy operations targeting the United States. The Russian embassy in Mexico City has added dozens of personnel in recent years, prompting concerns from U.S. officials about the Kremlin’s intentions. CIA Director William Burns has expressed this concern as well, citing Russia’s expulsion of intelligence officers from Europe after its invasion of Ukraine. Russian spies have a long history in Mexico, with the country offering a more “benign environment” than the U.S. for Russian intelligence operations.
This increasing Russian presence in Mexico is seen as part of a broader strategy by the Kremlin to expand its influence and espionage activities globally, with a specific focus on undermining Western democracies. U.S. officials are also worried about Russia’s efforts to manipulate the information landscape in Mexico, including through state-funded media outlets and disinformation campaigns. Despite Mexico’s friendly relations with Russia and Cuba, the country’s extensive trade ties with the U.S. make the Kremlin’s actions in Mexico a matter of concern for Washington.
The large presence of Russian intelligence personnel in Mexico, particularly from the GRU military intelligence service, raises fears of potential espionage, sabotage, and other covert operations against the U.S. This situation highlights the changing tactics of Russian intelligence agencies, which have become more aggressive in recent years, posing a growing threat to American national security interests.
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