Czechia has decided to strengthen its espionage laws in response to growing pressure from Russian intelligence services, reports Tvp World. This decision was prompted by the identification of weaknesses in the current legislation, which allowed individuals to avoid punishment for actions that threaten national security. Despite its modest size, Czechia has become a significant target of interest for Russian intelligence.
Russian espionage is one of the greatest threats to Czechia. Russian propaganda, influence, and the desire of Russian intelligence services to control the country’s political and social life remain a major security concern for Czech authorities, especially ahead of the Senate elections scheduled for the end of September.
Over the past year, Russian spies have not limited themselves to information gathering but have also attempted to directly influence the political and social life of the country. The main methods used in this subversive activity include sabotage, diversion, information warfare, political interference, disinformation, corruption, and economic manipulation.
For example, in 2021, Czechia expelled 18 Russian diplomats in connection with the involvement of Russian intelligence in the 2014 ammunition depot explosions in Vrbětice. This tragedy claimed the lives of two people and had significant consequences for relations between the two countries.
In response to this and other incidents, the Security Information Service (BIS) called on the government to update the legal framework to counter foreign espionage. The proposed changes include introducing criminal liability for disclosing even non-classified information if it poses a threat to national security. Another proposed crime is “unauthorized actions on behalf of a foreign state,” which could result in a prison sentence of up to 15 years.
One specific example of legal loopholes is the case of Elena Shaposhnikova, a Czech citizen of Russian origin, who was suspected of collecting information about arms deals for Russian military intelligence (GRU). Despite serious suspicions, Shaposhnikova avoided punishment due to the lack of evidence proving unauthorized access to classified information.
The Czech Ministry of Justice confirms that Russian intelligence services are particularly active in the country, making the reform of espionage legislation especially timely, particularly ahead of the Czech Senate elections.
Meanwhile, investigations into the 2014 ammunition depot explosions in Vrbětice confirmed that the explosions were organized by GRU agents to prevent the supply of weapons to Ukraine. However, the investigation was suspended due to Russia’s refusal to cooperate with Czech law enforcement agencies.
