Russian disposable agents targeting Europe, investigation finds

An undercover investigation by RTL has revealed the activities of so-called ‘disposable agents’ (Wegwerfagenten) allegedly operating on behalf of Russian intelligence. Journalists spent a year infiltrating pro-Russian influencer circles and posing as low-level operatives to document how disinformation is spread across social media platforms. During the investigation, a reporter received death threats after building a digital identity as a pro-Russian influencer.

Security expert Konstantinos Tsetsos from the Bundeswehr University Munich warns that there may be thousands of such active or willing agents across Europe. These individuals are described as amateur spies or small-time criminals recruited via the internet for cryptocurrency payments. Tsetsos identifies three primary objectives for their use: reconnaissance, acts of sabotage such as arson, and the spread of disinformation intended to discredit political institutions.

These warnings follow recent incidents in Germany, including a failed explosive attack on cargo planes at Leipzig/Halle Airport in August and a suspected murder plot against arms manager Stefan Thumann. Authorities suggest these operations are characteristic of low-level agents rather than highly trained intelligence officers.