Spy accused of leaking classified data to Russia's military for over five years
The Swiss defence ministry has launched an investigation into the alleged leaks, with the spy said to have handed over highly sensitive data to the Russian military
A Swiss intelligence officer has been accused of leaking classified information to Russia's military over a period of more than five years.
Switzerland's defense ministry has initiated an investigation into the alleged leaks, as reported by Swiss news agency Keystone-ATS.
Earlier this week, reports emerged that an officer responsible for the Swiss Federal Intelligence Service's (FIS) cyber team allegedly passed on highly sensitive data to Russian cybersecurity firm Kaspersky.
The information reportedly made its way from Kaspersky, which was prohibited from operating in the US last year, to Russia's GRU spy agency.
It is believed that two allied intelligence agencies tipped off FIS officials about the leaks, reports the Express.
Don't miss...
Europe could adopt Trump tactic as NATO chief warns of 'massive' Russian attack [LATEST]
Zelensky warns Russian strikes 'drown out' efforts for peace as 7 killed in dron [LATEST]
WW3 fears spike as NATO chief sets chilling timeline on potential Putin attack [LATEST]
An internal report on the incident indicates that the agencies threatened to "cease cooperation with the FIS if the employee continued to work for the FIS", according to Keystone-ATS.
The case is thought to have spanned a five-to-six-year period, from either 2014 or 2015 until the end of 2020.
The Swiss officer, who departed in 2020, allegedly defended his collaboration with the Russian cyber firm, citing a need for access to cyber tools that the FIS could not provide due to a lack of expertise and resources.
The intelligence service consists of approximately 400 employees, whose duties include protecting the interests and infrastructure of the neutral state.
Swiss Defence Minister, Martin Pfister, emphasized the critical need for dependable service personnel amid global tensions, stating, "Especially in the current global situation marked by insecurity."
Pfister has greenlit an independent external review of past probes handled by the FIS.
Although closely aligned with NATO and neighboring countries, Switzerland remains unaffiliated with the military coalition; this new intel setback could rattle Western agencies.
Kaspersky has consistently repudiated any association between its cybersecurity services and Russian intelligence outfits.
