Estonia unmasks record number of Russian spies

Estonia apprehended a record number of Russian collaborators in 2025, the country’s Internal Security Service (KAPO) revealed on Monday.

At least nine individuals were identified as “agents” in the intelligence service’s latest annual report, and the residency permits of several clergy members with ties to the Russian Orthodox Church were revoked on security grounds. The total number of people detected to be working for the Kremlin, or detained or expelled for promoting Russia’s agenda, was not disclosed.

According to the KAPO report, non-military threats — including sabotage, espionage, and information campaigns — are becoming increasingly prominent. Activities range from fake bomb reports to virtual “attacks” conducted on the messaging platform Telegram.

The report specifically mentioned online misinformation targeting Narva, a border city with a majority population of Russian speakers. In recent weeks, an online campaign promoting the secession of Narva and the surrounding Ida-Viru county has drawn attention in Estonia and beyond. Prime Minister Kristen Michal spoke out publicly against the separatist movement, which he described as “an information operation created by Russia to sow discord.” 

“For the adversary, having such campaigns amplified by mainstream media is considered a success, as it enhances the credibility and reach of hostile messages,” the KAPO report stated. 

Estonia’s secret services noted Russian intelligence operations are being largely conducted remotely and often rely on the covert use of civilians. According to the report, Moscow recruited pensioners across the country to photograph damage to Soviet war monuments, collecting material which was later used in a Russian propaganda campaign that accused Estonia of deliberately vandalizing historical sites.

The spike in the detection of Russian operatives does not necessarily reflect an increase in Kremlin-directed activity in the country. The reports’ authors said that the elevated number of apprehensions underscores “the preventive effectiveness of Estonia’s internal security efforts.”

“The overall threat picture has not changed. Estonia’s principal adversary remains the same – it was, is, and for the foreseeable future will continue to be Russia with its imperialist mindset,” the report emphasized.