Finnish Intelligence Services: Russia Trying to Recruit Asylum Seekers as Spies

According to Finnish Security Service (SUPO), Russia has been actively trying since 2019 to recruit asylum seekers in Finland as intelligence sources. Thousands of asylum seekers, especially those denied refugee status, are targeted with offers of financial incentives or pressured through coercion to collect information and collaborate with Russian special services. The Finnish Security Police has not publicly confirmed these details for security reasons. The government is vigilant and prepared to respond to such espionage activities. This recruitment effort reflects Russia’s broader espionage strategy aimed at undermining Finland’s security through vulnerable populations.