A successful operation led to the arrest of two suspects spying for Belarus

In November 2023, a counterintelligence investigation that had lasted more than a year reached its climax. The pre-trial investigation based on information gathered by the AOTD led to the arrest of two Lithuanian citizens, a man and a woman (a couple), suspected of cooperating with the Belarusian military intelligence (GRU). They were accused of espionage under Articles 25(4) and 119(2) of the Lithuanian Criminal Code.

The suspects carried out Belarusian GRU tasks, gathering and transmitting information in various ways to a GRU officer for payment. To collect information, one of the suspects joined the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union. Belarusian intelligence was interested in information on Lithuanian and NATO military hardware and weapons deployed to Lithuania, the infrastructure of military units, Lithuanian strategic objects and means of their protection, activities and training content of the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union, and the preparedness for defence during an armed conflict. The preparations and security measures during the NATO Summit in Vilnius, activities of the Belarusian opposition in Lithuania, and potential targets for recruiting were also of interest to Belarusian intelligence. Although the information collected by the above-mentioned persons was unclassified, the Belarusian and Russian Armed Forces need it to prepare plans for military aggression and other hostile activities against neighbouring countries.

The investigation by Lithuanian officials provided valuable information on the methods, techniques, and means of operation of the Belarusian GRU, including recruiting, communication, and transmission of information. The investigation revealed the use of conspiratorial premises, schemes of payment, and contribution of Belarusian citizens and former state officials in supporting operations carried out by Belarusian intelligence services.

This case once again confirms that any Lithuanian citizen may become a target of hostile intelligence services, even without having access to classified information. Recruitment is executed in various ways, including blackmailing and taking advantage of a person’s vulnerabilities, such as poor financial situation, addictions, or ideology. Belarusian intelligence services also use former Belarusian civil servants, law enforcement and security officials for recruiting or other assistance.