Czech Republic and allies break up Belarus spy network across Europe
CNN5 days
European Spy Ring Bust Nets Former Moldovan Intel Chief
Above: Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko speaks at the Great Heritage-Common Future Forum in Volgograd, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Stalingrad on April 29, 2025. Image copyright: Contributor/Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
This spy bust shows exactly why Europe needs tougher restrictions on Russian and Belarusian diplomats moving freely through the Schengen zone. These hostile actors are exploiting diplomatic privileges to build dangerous networks that threaten national security across multiple countries. The fact that a former high-ranking Moldovan intelligence official could operate for over a year, passing secrets to Belarus, proves the current system is broken and needs immediate reform.
Narrative B
International cooperation between European intelligence services demonstrates that existing security frameworks can effectively counter foreign espionage threats when properly coordinated. The successful identification and dismantling of this network across multiple countries shows that current counterintelligence capabilities are working as intended. Rather than restricting diplomatic movement, enhanced information sharing between agencies provides the real solution to these security challenges.