Stefano Wismesser, a former US intelligence officer, spoke to Yle in London claiming that Russian 'illegals'—deep-cover espionage operatives—are active in Finland. He emphasized that the Russian intelligence threat continues decades after the Soviet era and involves immigration and exploitation of border weaknesses. Wismesser stated that Finland is effectively in a 'secret war' due to these activities, highlighting that Russian agents operate under assumed identities to infiltrate Finnish society and institutions. He warned that Finland must prepare for continued espionage and intelligence challenges from Moscow, which uses these operatives to advance its geopolitical objectives. The information suggests a persistent and sophisticated Russian intelligence presence aiming to sabotage and gather information within Finland.

Stefano Wismesser, a former US intelligence officer, spoke to Yle in London claiming that Russian 'illegals'—deep-cover espionage operatives—are active in Finland. He emphasized that the Russian intelligence threat continues decades after the Soviet era and involves immigration and exploitation of border weaknesses. Wismesser stated that Finland is effectively in a 'secret war' due to these activities, highlighting that Russian agents operate under assumed identities to infiltrate Finnish society and institutions. He warned that Finland must prepare for continued espionage and intelligence challenges from Moscow, which uses these operatives to advance its geopolitical objectives. The information suggests a persistent and sophisticated Russian intelligence presence aiming to sabotage and gather information within Finland.