Buried.News

Estonia’s Internal Security Service (KAPO) says it detected a record number of Russian collaborators in 2025, identifying at least nine “agents” and revoking some clergy residency permits on security grounds. The framing emphasizes a growing spectrum of non-military threats but leaves key context unclear, including who the “agents” were, what they did, and how the “record” compares to prior years. The story matters because it shapes how the public understands espionage claims, state security powers, and the line between genuine threats and amplified information operations.

KAPO’s latest annual report says Estonia apprehended a record number of Russian collaborators in 2025 and identified at least nine individuals as “agents.” KAPO did not disclose the total number of people it detected to be working for the Kremlin, or who were detained/expelled for “promoting Russia’s agenda.” The report says non-military threats (sabotage, espionage, information campaigns) are becoming more prominent, including fake bomb reports and activity on Telegram. KAPO highlighted misinformation targeting Narva (a Russian-speaking-majority border city), including an online campaign promoting the secession of Narva and Ida-Viru county. Prime Minister Kristen Michal publicly described the separatist push as “an information operation created by Russia to sow discord,” according to the article text. KAPO warns that mainstream-media amplification can increase the reach and credibility of hostile messages. KAPO says Russian intelligence operations are often conducted remotely and may rely on civilians; it cites alleged recruitment of pensioners to photograph damage to Soviet war monuments for later propaganda use. The report cautions that more detections do not necessarily mean more Kremlin activity; it may reflect improved preventive security effectiveness. KAPO reiterates that Estonia’s principal adversary remains Russia and describes it as having an “imperialist mindset.”