NYT: Russia Using Tokyo as Spy Base Amid Ukraine War

According to a report by The New York Times, Russia has been using Japan as a base for technological exploitation and espionage activities during its ongoing war against Ukraine. Japan has now acknowledged the urgent need to strengthen its defenses against foreign intelligence operations.

The report, published yesterday, states that several Russian spies expelled from Western countries after the war began have relocated to Japan. The newspaper highlights Japan’s relatively lax laws on espionage and its wealthy high-tech industry as key factors making it an attractive operational hub for the Kremlin in its war against Ukraine.

Citing Ukrainian government estimates, The New York Times reports that nine out of every ten Russian missiles and drones launched contain Japanese-made components. This revelation raises serious concerns about the indirect role of Japanese technology in the conflict.

The publication further reveals that Tokyo hosts operatives from Russia’s military intelligence unit, the 20th Directorate, according to five current and former members of Western intelligence agencies. These agents operate under the guise of diplomats or businesspeople, attempting to purchase or steal military-grade technology in Japan and smuggle it back to Russia.

Japanese government spokesperson Makoto Kihara stated today, “We recognize the need to more proactively counter foreign intelligence activities that threaten Japan’s national security, such as the acquisition of critical information.” While declining to comment directly on the New York Times report, Kihara emphasized that Tokyo “must address this issue with a stricter attitude.”

The report identifies Maksim Vladimirovich Filchenkov, a Russian intelligence officer, as a key figure overseeing these operations in Japan. He is reportedly operating under the cover of an employee at Aeroflot’s Tokyo office.