Russian Spies Active in Finland, Former CIA Officer Warns
In an alarming assessment, Sean Wiswesser, a former officer with the CIA, has raised concerns about the presence of deep-cover Russian spies operating within Finland. Speaking at Helsinki’s Oodi library on October 14, Wiswesser shed light on the intricate strategies employed by Russia in its pursuit of influence and disruption in the West.
Wiswesser, who has spent decades tracking the movements of Russian President Vladimir Putin, underscored Finland’s significance as a target for Moscow’s hybrid operations. He described the current climate as one where Russian intelligence and disinformation tactics aim to erode trust in political institutions, emphasizing that “Moscow seeks out divisive issues—immigration, unemployment, defense—to foster distrust and undermine policymaking.”
The former intelligence officer argued that Putin has long harbored ambitions to resurrect the influence of the Soviet Union. “He has declared that the collapse of the Soviet Union was the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the twentieth century,” Wiswesser explained. “Putin has never accepted it and is determined to reverse it by any means necessary.”
Echoing concerns about Putin’s reliance on Russian intelligence agencies, Wiswesser noted, “They excel at playing a dirty game.” He pointed to Finland and neighboring countries, indicating that hybrid warfare and cyber threats are especially pronounced in this region.
Finland: “Already in a Secret War”
Wiswesser articulated that Finland has unwittingly become entangled in a covert conflict with Russia long before its recent NATO membership. “Whether you realize it or not, you were already in a secret war with Russia and its intelligence services prior to joining NATO,” he stated.
Contrary to concerns of an outright military assault, Wiswesser believes that Russia is more inclined to conduct influence operations. “Russia will not cross borders with tanks. Its attacks come through the internet, propaganda, disinformation, and financial manipulation,” he maintained.
He further highlighted Finland’s critical role within NATO’s northern defense strategy. With a lengthy border shared with Russia, parts remain inadequately monitored, presenting a vulnerability that Wiswesser believes could be exploited.
Moreover, he pointed out the utilization of “illegals”—highly trained spies living under assumed identities in various Western nations. “I can assure you that Russian intelligence officers are living normal lives across different facets of Finnish society. They are present in all NATO countries,” he warned.
Describing the landscape of intelligence, Wiswesser remarked, “It is a game of chess with them, and unfortunately, Finland is outmatched by Russian intelligence operations.” He noted that Russia’s domestic spy agency, the FSB, boasts an estimated 100,000 agents.
Wiswesser concluded with a stark reminder of the strategic calculus employed by Moscow: “Putin and his administration plan decades ahead. In contrast, the political cycle in the West often spans just four years. Russia’s advantage lies in its ability to be patient.”