A report indicates that Russia is particularly focused on Finland's foreign policy and NATO membership changes, while China is engaged in cyber espionage in the country.
A recent report highlights the growing concern over espionage activities by Russia and China in Finland. According to the report, Finland's foreign policy shifts due to its NATO membership have caught Russia's attention, particularly regarding border policy and critical military infrastructure. Finland has not experienced the same level of sabotage attacks as other European nations, suggesting a unique security landscape amidst rising tensions in the region.
The report from the Finnish Security Intelligence Service ('Supo') emphasizes that, unlike other nearby nations, Finland has not been a focal point for Russian influence operations, aside from border-related issues. Additionally, it points out that Russia seems to be safeguarding its 'shadow fleet' in the Baltic Sea, which involves escorting oil tankers with naval vessels and employing armed guards on these ships. This strategy aims to navigate around imposed sanctions while maintaining its maritime operations in the area.
Furthermore, the report touches on Chinese espionage, which has manifested primarily through cyber activities orchestrated in Finland. The involvement of agents to conduct intelligence operations aims to bolster China's geopolitical positioning. As for national security, the threat level from terrorism remains elevated, rated at three out of five in the report, indicating an ongoing risk despite no significant incidents being reported recently.
