By Smartencyclopedia & Agencies 

Dublin, Ireland — Michael McElgunn, head of the Security and Intelligence Division of the Irish police, has revealed that Russia is actively conducting espionage operations in Ireland. This alarming disclosure underscores Ireland’s growing role in European security and its collaboration with other nations to combat international espionage threats.

Russian Espionage Activities

According to McElgunn, Russia is one of the few countries making significant efforts to engage in espionage within Ireland. This revelation comes amid ongoing tensions due to Russia’s war in Ukraine and Ireland’s increased support for Kyiv. Since the onset of the conflict, Ireland has sheltered thousands of Ukrainian refugees and recently announced a bilateral military aid agreement with Ukraine. The specifics of the aid, including the amount of weapons and technology to be provided, remain undisclosed.

Russian espionage activities reportedly include attempts to influence and undermine the Irish government, support extremist groups, steal state secrets, and surveil Ireland’s industrial sectors. The aim appears to be to weaken Irish support for Ukraine and potentially disrupt aid efforts.

European Collaboration

In response to these threats, the Irish intelligence agency is working closely with European intelligence organizations to manage and mitigate espionage risks. McElgunn emphasized Ireland’s commitment to addressing threats from hostile states and highlighted the importance of monitoring activities linked to Russia.

“We must investigate and manage threats from hostile states, including espionage,” McElgunn stated. “Russia is one of those countries we have an interest in.”

International Implications

The revelation of Russian espionage activities in Ireland is part of a broader pattern of Russian efforts to disrupt support for Ukraine. In many countries supplying arms to Kyiv, Russia has established spy networks targeting factories and attempting to influence public opinion and government policies.

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar recently visited Kyiv, where he discussed concerns over an alleged component found in a Russian drone that was reportedly manufactured in Ireland. This incident has prompted an investigation into the illegal supply of components to the Russian military, which violates EU sanctions.

Irish Commitment to Ukraine

During his visit to Kyiv, Varadkar reiterated Ireland’s full support for Ukraine in its struggle for independence and territorial restoration. The prime minister’s visit and Ireland’s response to the espionage threats underscore the country’s commitment to upholding EU sanctions and supporting international allies in the face of global security challenges.

Ongoing Investigation

The Irish intelligence community continues to investigate the extent of Russian espionage activities and is working to prevent further incursions. The collaboration with European counterparts is crucial in addressing the evolving threat landscape and ensuring national and regional security.