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Overseas intelligence agencies’ following well worn playbook for recruiting in Ireland

‘Influence operations’ by Russia and China are not uncommon as reports allege an Oireachtas member is working as an asset for Russian security services

Illustration: Paul Scott
So-called 'honeypots' or the hacking of devices or email accounts can also be used. Illustration: Paul Scott
Jack Horgan-Jones's picture
Jack Horgan-Jones Political Correspondent
Tue Oct 08 2024 - 06:00

Reports alleging that a serving Oireachtas member is working as an asset for Russian security services have, inevitably, sent shock waves through the political system. However, the playbook for recruiting and operating influential people as intelligence assets – be they politicians, from the world of business, or elsewhere – is well worn, according to people familiar with the area.

One source who has experience in dealing with intelligence at a senior level says the extent of so-called “influence operations” run by the likes of Russia and China in the western world would surprise the uninitiated. “It starts off with a meal in a fancy restaurant in Dublin,” outlines this person, sketching out a scenario where a potential source is courted by an intelligence operative – ostensibly under the guise of normal diplomatic or political relations.

This in turn may be followed by more social engagements and introductions to figures in the business world who are billed as wanting to strengthen economic ties. In addition to politicians themselves, their advisers and other people around them can become targets. Ultimately this can culminate in a trip overseas, where further privileges and perks are lavished on the subject, potentially including the engineering of compromising situations or the extraction of information that can be used against them.

[ Ireland a ‘playground’ for Russian spies, says ex-Army Ranger TD ]

So-called “honeypots” or the hacking of devices or email accounts can also be used. According to security sources, money can play a role, including offers to arrange business finance through shell companies at attractive interest rates.

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The object is often not spying, as it might be traditionally understood – obtaining and passing back secret information. Indeed, the level of sensitive information available to ordinary Oireachtas members would be far below that available to Ministers or senior civil servants, or those in charge of State agencies or other bodies. However, security sources say that Russia and others might ask that an asset seek a briefing on physical infrastructure such as subsea cables on the pretext of being concerned about Irish vulnerability; or simply use talking points that are adjacent to an overseas actor’s interest, for example, critiquing directly or indirectly Irish support for Ukraine.

The head of MI5 has said the threat from Islamic State has returned, while both Iran and Russia are increasing efforts to create "mayhem in Europe."

The story has prompted calls to strengthen oversight of Oireachtas members, as well as to better prepare them for a world in which they may be the subject of an approach from overseas intelligence agencies.

Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín has said political parties need to conduct an audit of their members’ trips overseas funded by outside parties. Mr Tóibín outlined that while a member of Sinn Féin, he was approached with an offer of an all expenses paid trip to Russia including a meeting with Vladimir Putin, which he turned down. The person who allegedly made the offer did not respond to requests for comment.

[ Peadar Tóibín was approached to meet Putin in 2017 but ‘wasn’t interested’ ]

Charlie Flanagan, the Fine Gael TD and a former minister for justice and foreign affairs, says training should be given to Oireachtas members to help them detect overtures.

“There should be a form of training, it should be available for all TDs and Senators and I say so particularly in context of the forthcoming general election where there will be a slew of new people [elected],” he said. “If there are public figures who feel under pressure to a blackmail or honeypot-style compromise, gardaí can help.”