Lithuania expels three Ukrainians accused of carrying out tasks for foreign intelligence services
Lithuania's State Security Department has announced the expulsion of three Ukrainian citizens who allegedly performed tasks for foreign intelligence services in exchange for payment.
Lithuania has expelled three Ukrainian citizens accused of carrying out tasks for "hostile" foreign intelligence services in return for money. The State Security Department (VSD), Lithuania's intelligence and counterintelligence agency, announced this on Wednesday, 4 November, as reported by the public broadcaster LRT.
Why they were expelled
The VSD said the individuals had previously been recognised as a threat to national security, and their temporary residence permits in Lithuania had been revoked. They have now been removed from the country and banned from returning for five years.
According to the agency, the three Ukrainians performed a wide range of tasks for foreign intelligence services for payment. Instructions were sent to them via Telegram and other messaging apps.
VSD warning
The department noted that foreign intelligence services often use messaging apps and social media to recruit people in other countries. In the VSD's assessment, this method is particularly effective because it is easy to carry out, reaches a broad pool of potential agents and requires minimal resources.
Intelligence officers who recruit this way shift all risks and possible consequences of the assigned actions onto those carrying them out, and take no responsibility for their safety, the VSD added.
Similar cases in Germany
Police in the German state of Brandenburg recently arrested a Ukrainian citizen on suspicion of spying for Russia. In early August, a 33-year-old Ukrainian was also arrested in Germany on suspicion of spying on a defence company.
