Russian intelligence uses ‘illegals’ to collect sensitive information

In 2024, following an investigation by the VSD and Lithuanian law enforcement, a GRU ‘illegal’ was arrested in Lithuania. He was using his real identity but concealing certain aspects of his biography. The individual joined the Lithuanian Union of Political Prisoners and Deportees and the Homeland Union – Lithuanian Christian Democrats political party, emphasising the Soviet repressions his family had suffered. This gave him opportunities to collect intelligence.

The GRU used the ‘illegal’ to gather strategic intelligence on political processes in Lithuania and Europe. The GRU tasked him with gathering intelligence on Lithuanian defence, domestic and foreign policy, NATO consultations in Lithuania, preparations for military exercises, arms procurement, support for Ukraine, and high-ranking Lithuanian politicians’ stance on international and domestic security policy.

The individual collected non-public, sensitive intelligence information by attending NGO and political events, making contacts with members of the above-mentioned organisations, and gathering information from open sources. He analysed the collected material and transmitted the data remotely via encrypted messages. The individual strictly followed conspiratorial security measures and used radio, computer, and software equipment provided by the GRU.

The ‘illegals’ program is a sophisticated, costly, and exclusive method used by Russian intelligence services to collect sensitive information. Individuals selected for the programme undergo a lengthy, specific training. They must be highly skilled in foreign languages, have a nondescript appearance, and be psychologically prepared to spend most of their lives abroad pretending to be someone else. ‘Illegals’ operate under false foreign nationalities or use their own, and over a long period of time they build up a coherent and convincing cover story which allows them to operate covertly in the West. Once placed in a foreign country, they graduate from universities, start families, and become involved in local communities. ‘Illegals’ lead seemingly ordinary lives and do a wide range of jobs, most often in business, academia, or the arts. After building a life free from suspicion, they conduct long-term, covert intelligence activities. Consistently crafted cover stories and their meticulous tradecraft make identifying Russian intelligence ‘illegals’ extremely difficult.