According to Dutch secret services, critical offshore infrastructure such as internet cables, gas pipelines and wind turbines in the Dutch part of the North Sea has recently become the target of possible Russian sabotage activities.
Russia is secretly mapping this infrastructure and engaging in activities “indicating preparations for disruption and sabotage,” according to a joint report by the Dutch military intelligence service (MIVD) and the domestic and foreign intelligence service (AIVD) released Monday. released.
In recent months, Russian actors have explored the energy system in the North Sea. “It is the first time that we have observed this,” explains MIVD boss Jan Swillens. Covert threats from Moscow against the water and energy supply in the Netherlands are also conceivable, according to MIVD and AIVD.
Russian ship escorted from the North Sea
A Russian ship has been spotted near an offshore wind farm in the North Sea to map the energy infrastructure, MIVD chief general Jan Swillens said at a press conference. It was escorted from the North Sea by the Dutch Navy and Coast Guard before any attempted sabotage could take place, he added.
The Netherlands expels several diplomats
The Netherlands announced on Saturday that it would expel an unknown number of Russian diplomats from the country. The country accuses Russia of constantly smuggling spies into the country under the guise of diplomacy. Moscow was therefore ordered to close its trade mission in Amsterdam and the government in The Hague announced that it would close the Dutch consulate in St. Petersburg.
Source: Krone
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