According to a report by The Telegraph, Russian entities are acquiring buildings and land across various European countries as potential sites for sabotage operations. Intelligence sources indicate that this includes purchasing cabins, warehouses, and islands near military facilities in at least a dozen countries, highlighting Finland as a notable example. These properties are suspected of hiding explosives, drones, and weapons intended to be used in crisis situations.

Researcher Charlie Edwards noted that Russians have been buying properties in Nordic countries for over a decade, specifically near military bases and strategic supply routes. The acquisitions raise alarms among authorities who warn of a systematic effort by Russia to establish what they are calling 'Trojan horses' across Europe. This term draws a parallel to ancient Greek mythology, where spies disguised themselves within a wooden horse to infiltrate the city of Troy.

Distinctly different from the mythological Trojans, modern Russian spies utilize the proximity of these newly acquired buildings to European military installations and critical infrastructure. The implications of such strategic acquisitions could pose significant threats, especially in the context of rising geopolitical tensions in Europe, warranting increased vigilance by local and national security agencies.