Czech Republic and Allies Dismantle Belarusian Spy Network Across Europe

The Czech Republic has successfully dismantled a Belarusian spy network operating across Europe, collaborating with intelligence agencies from Hungary and Romania. The counterintelligence agency, known as BIS, announced this significant development on Monday, detailing how a coordinated operation uncovered spies linked to Belarus’ KGB security agency in multiple European nations.

BIS reported that among those implicated is a former deputy head of Moldova’s intelligence service, SIS, who allegedly provided classified information to the KGB. In a related action, the Czech authorities expelled a Belarusian agent posing as a diplomat, granting them just 72 hours to leave the country, as confirmed by the Czech Foreign Ministry.

Details of the Investigation

According to BIS, the establishment of this espionage network was facilitated by the ability of Belarusian diplomats to travel freely within European borders. Michal Koudelka, the head of BIS, emphasized the necessity of restricting the movement of accredited diplomats from both Russia and Belarus within the Schengen area to effectively counter such hostile activities.

The Romanian anti-organized crime agency, DIICOT, also took action against a 47-year-old suspect linked to the investigation. This individual, who previously held significant roles within Moldova’s SIS, is facing charges of treason. DIICOT stated that the suspect disclosed state secrets to Belarusian intelligence officers, a breach that could “endanger national security.”

During the investigation, it was revealed that the unnamed suspect met with Belarusian spies in Budapest on two occasions between 2024 and 2025. There are indications that these meetings involved the exchange of instructions and payments for services rendered, raising serious concerns about the extent of espionage activities in the region.

International Oversight and Context

The ongoing investigation is being overseen by Eurojust, the European Union’s judicial cooperation agency, highlighting the international collaboration required to address the threat posed by such spy networks.

Belarus is currently led by authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Lukashenko’s regime has permitted Russia to utilize Belarusian territory for military operations, including the full-scale invasion of Ukraine that began in February 2022. Furthermore, the deployment of Russian tactical nuclear missiles in Belarus has exacerbated tensions in the region.

As the situation unfolds, the Czech Republic’s actions signal a heightened alertness among European nations regarding foreign espionage, particularly from Belarus and Russia, further emphasizing the need for collaborative security measures among allies.