The Estonian Internal Security Service (KAPO) has officially accused Russia’s Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) of orchestrating a series of acts of vandalism aimed at destabilizing the country. According to Estonian law enforcement, these actions were designed to create the illusion of internal unrest and were part of a coordinated campaign directed by Russia. Source: Bloomberg
According to KAPO, the acts of vandalism included the destruction of monuments, damage to public property, and provocative actions intended to sow panic among the population. Charges have been filed against 11 individuals who acted under GRU’s orders. Among them, three have already been convicted of espionage, while two are hiding in Russia. The crimes included damaging the car of Estonia’s Minister of Internal Affairs and attacks on World War II memorials.
The head of Estonia’s intelligence agency, Margot Palloson, revealed that the suspects also planned attacks on ten Estonian public figures who openly criticize the Kremlin.
“The objective was to cause fear, panic and chaos in Estonian society,” said Palloson, adding that Russia aimed to make the acts look like internal unrest over the Estonian government’s support for Ukraine.
In a series of five incidents that occurred between May 2023 and January 2024, a local journalist’s car was also damaged. Estonian prosecutors clarified that the perpetrators, mostly petty criminals, were paid approximately $10,000 for their activities.
The purpose of such actions, according to Estonian security services, was to portray Estonia as a country in a state of internal crisis, thereby discrediting it on the international stage and eroding public trust in the government.
Estonia has repeatedly been the target of Russian cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and other forms of interference in its internal affairs. The Kremlin continues to wage a hybrid war aimed at destabilizing neighboring countries.
