Report: Russia's FSB preparing leadership overhaul as soon as October
Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) may undergo a major reorganization in the coming months affecting top divisions and senior officials, including Director Alexander Bortnikov, according to iStories.
Investigative outlet iStories reports, citing sources, that Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) is preparing for a significant reorganization that could begin as early as October, affecting both key divisions and senior leadership.
Possible change at the top
According to the sources, FSB Director Alexander Bortnikov has long expressed a wish to retire, with First Deputy Director Sergey Korolev increasingly standing in for him. Two candidates are reportedly under consideration to succeed Bortnikov: Ivan Tkachev, head of the FSB's Military Counterintelligence Department, and Vladislav Menshchikov, head of its Counterintelligence Service.
Vacant economic security post
iStories' sources also said Sergey Alpatov recently stepped down as head of the FSB's Economic Security Service due to health reasons, but no replacement has yet been named. The sources say the anticipated reorganization is partly why the appointment has been delayed, with one source suggesting the overhaul could start in October.
FSB's growing influence
Independent media have reported that the FSB has emerged as Russia's most powerful security agency in recent months, consolidating significant authority. The agency's Second Service, formally tasked with protecting the constitutional order and combating terrorism, is also reported to be responsible for internet blocking in the country.
