In the recently released 2022 annual report from the Czech Republic’s Security Information Service (BIS), the nation’s primary security concern took center stage, with a strong emphasis on the aggressive actions of Russia. The report shed light on Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February of the previous year, which posed a significant threat not only to Ukraine but also to the stability of the entire European region. It also underscored the commendable actions taken by the Czech government in reducing the number of Russian embassy personnel within the country, which played a crucial role in curbing espionage activities.

The BIS report highlighted the Russian threat as the most substantial risk faced by the Czech Republic. The invasion of Ukraine in February served as a stark reminder of the extent of Russia’s influence and reach in the region. Notably, the report revealed suspicions that Russian embassy staff members were allegedly doubling as spies for their government, further underscoring the need for stringent security measures.

Michal Koudelka, Chief of BIS, presented a summary of the report, shedding light on Russia’s covert activities. The report corroborated information about a Russian agent attempting to manipulate public opinion in the Czech media. This included efforts to support a pro-Russian agenda by establishing connections with local journalists and politicians, thereby influencing the information landscape.

Despite concerns about increased security risks associated with the massive migration of individuals from Ukraine, the report noted that police data showed no significant rise in crime linked to this migration. However, it highlighted a growing pro-Russian scene, with notable manifestations through protests in the latter part of the previous year. The report described how some pro-Russian activists gradually shifted towards more radical positions in their support for the Russian Federation, a trend that warranted continued monitoring and assessment.

Additionally, the BIS report drew attention to the evolving landscape of espionage threats, particularly from China. It identified Chinese academics as influential agents shaping public opinion within Czech universities. The report expressed concerns about China’s cultivation of relationships with academics for political intelligence purposes, exploiting academic cooperation to advance intelligence and propaganda objectives. This underlines the complexity and multifaceted nature of modern espionage activities.

While the report indicated a relatively calm situation regarding Islamic radicalism in the Czech Republic, it noted that no Islamist radicals were detected among refugees from Ukraine. In contrast, right-wing radicals were reported to have been involved in the conflict in Ukraine, although they did not engage in fighting or significantly influence public opinion within the Czech Republic.

The 2022 BIS annual report serves as a vital document, highlighting the critical security concerns faced by the Czech Republic and the government’s measures to address these challenges. It underscores the ever-evolving nature of security threats, with Russia and China emerging as prominent players in the world of espionage and influence operations. As the global security landscape continues to shift, the Czech Republic remains vigilant, adapting its strategies to protect its national interests and the integrity of its institutions.

Article by Prague Forum