On September 8, Czech counterintelligence chief Michal Koudelka told the Chamber of Deputies in Prague that security agencies in Czechia, Romania and Hungary had uncovered and shut down a Belarusian espionage operation inside the European Union. The network, run by the Belarusian KGB, was designed to build an agent structure across Europe and collect sensitive intelligence. According to the Security Information Service (BIS), Minsk had been able to establish its presence thanks in part to the freedom of movement inside the EU. Among the exposed operatives was a former deputy head of Moldova’s intelligence service who was allegedly passing classified material to Minsk.
Diplomatic fallout and EU security response
The Czech Foreign Ministry announced that a Belarusian embassy official accused of working for the KGB had been declared persona non grata, stressing that Prague would not tolerate abuse of diplomatic cover for intelligence purposes. Analysts warn that the coordinated steps taken by Prague, Bucharest and Budapest could trigger a downgrading of diplomatic ties with Minsk, mutual expulsions of envoys and restricted cooperation. Within the EU, the incident is likely to reinforce perceptions of Belarus as a security threat, paving the way for potential new sanctions or tighter restrictions on Belarusian diplomats and citizens. Member states may also tighten counterintelligence efforts and scrutinize visa-free travel arrangements for Belarusians.
Koudelka warns of Russian threat
In his address, Koudelka emphasized that Russia remains the primary adversary and most serious danger to Czech national security. He said Moscow aims to erode public trust in democratic institutions, the rule of law and Prague’s standing in the international community. Koudelka added that Russia has no interest in ending its war in Ukraine and that its deliberate strikes on civilians highlight a willingness to employ similar methods elsewhere, including against Czechia. In earlier statements, the BIS director warned that the world was on the brink of a global conflict, citing Russian imperialism, Chinese and Iranian espionage, hostile propaganda, uncontrolled migration, Islamist terrorism, right-wing extremism, arms trafficking, cyberattacks and the risks of artificial intelligence misuse.
Regional context and precedents
This is not the first time Czech authorities have exposed hostile operations. In March, BIS identified Belarusian journalist Natalia Sudliankova, a longtime covert agent working under Russia’s military intelligence service GRU. She had previously worked for Radio Free Europe’s Belarus Service and Czech publications Týden and Lidové noviny. Investigators say she was directed from Moscow by GRU officer Alexey Shavrov and received tens of thousands of euros in cryptocurrency for her activities. Prague placed her on its national sanctions list, underscoring that her case formed part of Russia’s hybrid war against democratic states. The involvement of Hungary in the latest counterintelligence action is notable, as Budapest has traditionally been cautious on sanctions policy, but its participation may now signal a shift in tone and security posture within the EU.
