ISD study says Russian spies use Telegram and crypto to incite violence

Protos reports that a study by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD) alleges Russian actors are using Telegram and cryptocurrency to recruit young Europeans for sabotage. The research identifies a network of Telegram groups, known as "com networks," where participants upload harmful content to gain status.

The ISD said it found "multiple indicators suggesting possible Russian state-linked support" for parts of this network. The study argues that organizers "mirror established Russian methods for recruiting 'disposable agents' for violence abroad." Steven Rai, the study's author, noted that Russia-linked chats have offered cryptocurrency for arson attacks, describing these payments as "completely new."

Incidents in Ukraine and the UK illustrate the network's reach. Ukrainian police took into custody two youths, one 11 and the other 15, who were reportedly plotting to strike their school using firearms and explosives based on directives from the Russian Federation. Local authorities characterized the incident as a Russian intelligence operation.

In the UK, a 22-year-old Ukrainian national was reportedly offered thousands of dollars in USDT to conduct firebombing, including an attempt on Sir Keir Starmer’s residence. The ISD stated that the perpetrators aimed to generate media attention through these acts.