Sat Sep 21 10:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Russia Boosts Spy Presence in Mexico, Targeting U.S.
**MEXICO CITY -** Russian intelligence services are establishing a significant presence in Mexico, raising concerns among U.S. officials about potential espionage operations targeting the United States.
According to U.S. officials and former intelligence officers, Russia has significantly increased its embassy staff in Mexico City over the past few years, despite limited trade ties with the country. This surge in personnel is believed to be aimed at bolstering Russian intelligence operations against the U.S., as well as promoting Kremlin propaganda aimed at undermining Washington and Ukraine.
The Biden administration has raised the issue with the Mexican government, expressing concern over the expanding Russian footprint. CIA Director William Burns has acknowledged the growing concern, stating that Russia’s intelligence officers, expelled from European capitals after the invasion of Ukraine, are seeking new bases of operation.
Former intelligence officials say Russia’s actions in Mexico reflect a more aggressive posture by its intelligence services, aiming to silence critics, weaken Western democracies, and undermine support for Ukraine. These tactics include sabotage, assassination plots, cyberattacks, and large-scale disinformation campaigns.
General Glen VanHerck, head of U.S. Northern Command, has previously noted the significant presence of Russia’s GRU military intelligence service in Mexico, highlighting the potential for influence on U.S. interests.
Mexico’s President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has previously stated that his government is unaware of any Russian intelligence activities, emphasizing Mexico’s sovereignty.
Despite strong trade ties with the United States, Mexico has traditionally maintained friendly relations with Russia and Cuba, choosing not to fully align itself with Washington’s foreign policy.
Mexico’s history with Russian intelligence is long and complex, dating back to the assassination of Leon Trotsky in 1940. Former CIA officers have also highlighted Mexico’s historical role as a safe haven for American informants recruited by Moscow.
U.S. officials are also concerned about Russia’s efforts to influence the information landscape in Mexico, spreading misinformation and undermining support for Ukraine. Russia has expanded its state-funded media outlet RT in Mexico and has run advertising campaigns for the channel.
Experts believe that Russia’s presence in Mexico provides a convenient, lower-risk environment for overseeing agents operating in the U.S. and staging operations beyond the reach of U.S. law enforcement. Mexico’s proximity to the U.S. makes it a valuable base for intelligence activities, including supporting American informants and facilitating cross-border operations.
While Russia’s actions have raised concerns, the Mexican government has not yet responded to U.S. concerns and continues to maintain its traditional neutrality.
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