An Irish lawmaker was allegedly recruited by Russian intelligence during Brexit negotiations in an effort to undermine Anglo-Irish relations, according to recent reports. The politician, identified only as “Cobalt,” was targeted by a Russian “honeytrap” operation and remains in Ireland’s parliament. Despite being under surveillance by the Irish military and police, the politician has not been arrested or charged with any crime.
Russian spy Sergey Prokopiev, who was based at the Russian embassy in Dublin from 2019 to 2022, reportedly orchestrated the recruitment. Prokopiev was later expelled from Ireland, but it is alleged that he continued coordinating activities with the lawmaker through a female Russian agent.
Cathal Berry, a former deputy chief of Ireland’s military, described Ireland as a “playground” for Russian intelligence, citing the country’s weak security culture. Irish authorities and government officials have expressed concern over Russia’s intelligence efforts, which have increased since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Although Ireland expelled four Russian diplomats last year for espionage, concerns over Russian influence remain. Irish Taoiseach Simon Harris acknowledged the growing threat, saying that Ireland is “not immune” to Russia’s attempts to distort public opinion and exert influence across the world.
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