The British Foreign Office announced on 19 September the launch of Silent Courier, a Darknet messaging platform designed to streamline the recruitment of intelligence personnel. The platform, operated under the UK’s MI6, targets potential agents in Russia and other countries, according to the BBC.
Relations between Moscow and London have worsened in recent years, as Russia has repeatedly threatened NATO countries, including the UK, in response to London’s military aid to Ukraine. A recent update to the UK's Strategic Defence Review stated that the threat from Russia is at its highest level since the Cold War.
Meanwhile, Russia has escalated espionage and sabotage operations on foreign soil, not only within Ukraine, but also beyond, targeting Ukraine’s allied countries largely in Europe.
On 18 September, three people were arrested in the town of Grays, Essex, England, on suspicion of assisting Russian intelligence services. This has raised concerns about foreign states using British citizens as local proxies.
Technology supporting national security
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the evolving global threats require ensuring the UK is “always one step ahead” of adversaries.
"Our world-class intelligence agencies are at the coalface of this challenge, working behind the scenes to keep British people safe. Now we're bolstering their efforts with cutting-edge tech so MI6 can recruit new spies for the UK - in Russia and around the world," Cooper said.
The portal will be open from 19 September for anyone willing to share confidential information about terrorism or hostile intelligence activity. Usage instructions will be published on MI6's verified YouTube channel. To maintain confidentiality, users are advised to access the platform through secure VPNs and devices not personally linked to them.
Earlier, General Alexus Grynkewich, Supreme Allied Commander Europe, suggested that the US and European countries may have no more than 18 months to prepare for a potential large-scale military conflict with China and Russia.
