US warned defense contractors about threat of sabotage from Russia

U.S. intelligence agencies have warned U.S. defense companies about the Russia’s plans to carry out sabotage at these enterprises.

This was reported by The New York Times.

The warning applies to companies both in the United States and abroad.

According to officials, the Russian intelligence services are conducting sabotage operations against European defense companies “in an attempt to undermine allied support for Ukraine.”

The warning was issued by the National Counterintelligence and Security Center, which advises U.S. businesses on intelligence threats from potential adversaries.

The Center frequently warns of attempts by Russian and Chinese intelligence services to steal intellectual property or of potential cyber threats against American businesses.

The employees of the U.S. defense companies are asked to be more vigilant about their facilities and personnel and to monitor for potential equipment failures. The companies are advised to strengthen their physical and online security.

In addition to securing websites, the center suggested that the personal security of executives and other key employees should be strengthened.

Separately, employees were warned against disclosing travel plans, changing their routes, and reporting “suspicious incidents.”

“Those involved in work tied to Ukraine or other geopolitical conflicts should be cautious about disclosing work, travel, personal and family information online,” the warning said. “Adversaries can use this information to identify access, location and personal vulnerabilities,” said in a statement.

Russian sabotage groups were suspected of setting fire to the Diehl metal plant in Berlin. Security sources told the Wall Street Journal that it had been the Russia’s attempt to disrupt the supply of weapons and ammunition to Ukraine. The fire broke out in early May and caused, according to the company, tens of millions of euros in damage.

Also, a family of Russian immigrants who moved to the Czech Republic in the early 2000s was exposed for collaborating with the Russian special services. They were involved in a number of explosions and poisonings.