In 2025, the Estonian Internal Security Service (ISS/KAPO) detained a record number of individuals collaborating with Russian special services, reports ERR.
Last year, 16 individuals with connections to Russian special services were detained.
"Since Russian special services cannot operate on the territory of Estonia, they are looking for other options. They are seeking so-called 'light' agents who would carry out specific tasks on their behalf. Our staff catches them quite quickly, so there is no cause for concern," said ISS/KAPO representative Marta Tuul.
She also explained how the methods of recruiting agents on social media have changed.
"On social media, they try to find random performers who would commit acts of vandalism, for example, destroying or damaging memorials or engaging in other similar actions," Tuul said.
According to her, visiting Russia poses a significant risk, as agents operate at the borders, profiling and checking people on-site, and may already offer them cooperation at border crossings.
Russia's influence operations have shifted to social media.
"It is there that attempts are made to create false narratives. For example, messages about bomb threats in schools or alleged attacks on Narva. In Estonia, this has absolutely no real support or demand. They may try, but there is no basis or real content for it," claims Tuul.
