Russian diplomatic mission expands its spying presence in Geneva – RTS

Russian spies are stepping up their presence in Geneva. Without cantonal authorization, Russian agents have installed new satellite dishes on their diplomatic buildings. In Geneva, Russian spies are carrying out intelligence operations, sabotage, and assassination attempts, according to an investigation by RTS.

The Russian Federation’s permanent mission to the UN is located near Geneva’s Place des Nations. The diplomatic buildings undergo heavy protection, with a several-meter-high perimeter wall, surveillance cameras, and armed guards preventing access.

Officially, the mission has a diplomatic vocation, but Russia has installed spy antennas, listening systems, and satellite dishes that are barely visible from the street. Mise au Point used satellite images to understand the purpose of these antennas.

Antennas for spying

On the roofs of the Russian Permanent Mission, there are a total of seven large satellite dishes. Additionally, a number of listening devices are hidden beneath a type of container. These antennas are clearly intended for espionage purposes.

Such a device is unnecessary for traditional diplomatic messages. Historian Adrian Hänni, an expert in secret services at the University of Graz, told RTS that these antennas not only spy on electronic communications but also satellite communications.

Switzerland is a hot spot, a rear base for Russian spies active throughout Europe, the investigation concluded.

Thanks to archive images, it is possible to establish that these satellite dishes are largely new. According to experts, Russia seems to be developing its intelligence activities on Swiss territory.

Four illegal Russian dishes in Geneva?

In Switzerland, cantonal regulations still apply to building permits. Any satellite dish with a diameter greater than 90 cm therefore requires authorization. The local authorities say there was no request from the Russians. Satellite images do show the construction of a legal antenna between 2006 and 2007. 

However, between 2006 and 2009, Russia installed another satellite dish, then another in 2012, and two more until 2024. Each has a diameter over 90 cm and should have been submitted to the Canton.

In total, there are four antennas built without cantonal authorization on the roofs of Russian diplomatic buildings. The Canton claims to be unaware of any exceptions the federal authorities have granted. Therefore, it is highly likely that these four antennas are illegal.

Asked by RTS to respond to these comments, the Russian embassy said it “strongly disagrees with such statements and considers them to be a further attempt to arbitrarily demonize Russia and Russians.”.

Cases of Russia’s espionage in Europe

The Swiss Intelligence Service reports that a third of Russia’s diplomats are in fact spies. This represents some 80 individuals on Swiss territory.

In recent years, the Swiss media have revealed several cases of espionage. In particular, Russian agents have carried out cyberespionage operations against the Spiez high-security laboratory. According to Le Monde, Russian spies based between Geneva and Annecy have also carried out sabotage and even attempted assassinations in England and Eastern Europe.

This year, authorities in Berne arrested a “fake” Russian diplomat who was attempting to obtain precision ammunition and laboratory equipment capable of producing chemical or biological weapons.

Since the start of the Russian war in Ukraine, European countries have taken strong measures against Russian spies. They have expelled over 600 diplomats accused of espionage.

These expulsions represent a major loss for Russia and its ability to conduct offensive operations. Spy diplomats are often field officers who manage agents on the field. They have a network of sources that is difficult to replace.

In Switzerland, there has been no official announcement of the expulsion of Russian diplomats or undercover spies. Russia has taken advantage of this weak position. RTS notes that while Russian intelligence services face harassment and pressure throughout Europe, Putin’s spies have found Switzerland indispensable.