conflictTuesday, July 14, 20262 sources

Russia Exploits Japan's Weak Espionage Laws to Fuel Ukraine War

Dozens of Russian intelligence agents, expelled from Western Europe, have relocated to Japan, where they are purchasing critical components for Moscow's war in Ukraine. Japan has acknowledged the need to strengthen its counterintelligence measures following a New York Times report that exposed the country as a key hub for Russian espionage and procurement. The government has pledged to address the issue with 'even greater rigour'.

According to the New York Times, Russian agents have entered Japan and are acquiring dual-use technology essential for Moscow's military operations. The report highlights Japan's lack of a specific espionage law, which has allowed Russia to exploit the country's industrial base. The Guardian notes that Japan's government has admitted the need to improve its counterintelligence efforts, citing the report's findings as a catalyst for change.

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Russia-Ukraine War

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IndependentThe GuardianJul 14, 05:10 AM
Japan admits growing need to counter espionage after Russian ‘den of spies’ report

Issue must be addressed with ‘even greater rigour’, says government spokesman, after New York Times report on how it has become a spy hub for Vladimir Putin Japan has said it recognised the need to counter foreign intelligence better after the New York Times reported that Russia had turned the country into a “den of spies” and key source of weapons components. The newspaper, in an investigation published on Sunday, reported that thanks to “weak espionage laws”, Moscow was using Japan as a key hub for intelligence gathering and procurement of dual-use technology needed for its war in Ukraine. Continue reading...

IndependentSouth China Morning PostJul 14, 04:03 AM
Is Japan a ‘spy paradise’ fuelling Russia’s war machine?

Concern that foreign spies can operate with impunity in Japan has deepened following a media report that dozens of Russian agents ordered to leave Western European countries have entered Tokyo and are buying components for Moscow’s war on Ukraine. The New York Times reported on Sunday that Moscow’s agents were taking advantage of Tokyo’s failure to enact a law specifically designed to combat espionage and the large number of companies manufacturing components critical to the Kremlin’s war...