Russian Intelligence Officers Report on Each Other Over Prostitutes and Corruption

Employees of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service are filing anonymous reports against more successful colleagues, accusing them of misconduct abroad and corruption inside the agency.

According to The Insider, which reviewed several of these anonymous complaints, the infighting is driven by intense competition for positions after the mass expulsion of Russian spies from Western countries following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

While some officers were reassigned to other countries or state-owned corporations, most of those declared persona non grata, more than 700 people in total were left without suitable positions, the outlet reports.

One report alleges that Herman Bykov, deputy head of the Directorate of Illegal Intelligence (military unit 33949), abuses his authority, treats subordinates arrogantly, and later retaliates against them. He is also accused of sending only loyal staff on lucrative foreign assignments paid in hard currency.

The anonymous complaint further claims that officers returning from overseas trips are required to bring Bykov expensive gifts – starting at $50 per bottle, or at least $100 per bottle when returning from higher-paid countries.

Another complaint says that Russian intelligence officers stationed at an embassy in one country regularly visit restaurants and drive while intoxicated. The same officers are also accused of socializing with suspicious individuals and having sexual relations with prostitutes.

A separate denunciation alleges that the commander of one military unit of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service allows his relatives to use an official Audi vehicle with a driver. The car is reportedly equipped with secure multi-channel communications and government-issued cover license plates.

Another anonymous source reported that the leadership of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service awards government contracts to “their own construction companies” and receives kickbacks in return. According to the whistleblower, one such company poorly constructed a sports and fitness facility with a gym and an ice rink on the grounds of the headquarters of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service.

“The construction was carried out very poorly, with many defects. As a result, part of the building’s canopy collapsed, and people narrowly avoided being killed. However, the criminal case was quickly covered up,” the report states.