Defense Minister launches probe into alleged sensitive data leaks through cyber division to Russian intelligence services
"This is espionage on behalf of Russia"
"A functioning intelligence service is of central importance for the protection and security of Switzerland, especially in the current global situation"
In a significant development that has sent shockwaves through Switzerland's security establishment, Defense Minister Martin Pfister has launched a formal investigation into alleged sensitive data leaks from the Federal Intelligence Service (FIS) to Russian intelligence services. The probe focuses on activities that occurred between 2015 and 2020, involving the cyber division of FIS and their collaboration with Russian cybersecurity firm Kaspersky.
The investigation comes following revelations from Swiss public radio SRF, which accessed a classified FIS report detailing unauthorized data transfers and questionable operational practices within the intelligence service's cyber team.
At the heart of the scandal lies the FIS cyber team's collaboration with Kaspersky, a Russian cybersecurity company long suspected of maintaining close ties with the Kremlin. According to the secret FIS report, a key employee, identified only as W., headed the cyber team and established a quasi-autonomous operation within the intelligence service.
The team operated its own IT infrastructure and maintained irregular communication practices, including the use of private mobile phones for official business. Their collaboration with Kaspersky, despite international warnings about the company's alleged connections to Russian intelligence services, has raised serious concerns about judgment and security protocols within the FIS.
The severity of the situation became apparent when multiple friendly intelligence services threatened to cease cooperation with Switzerland. A November 2020 meeting in Geneva between FIS officials and representatives of a friendly foreign intelligence service brought these concerns to a head. The potential isolation of Swiss intelligence operations in the international community represents a significant threat to national security.
Bulgarian investigative journalist Christo Grozev, known for his work with The Insider and Der Spiegel, characterized the situation bluntly: 'This is espionage on behalf of Russia.' The assessment highlights the potential damage to Switzerland's reputation as a neutral and reliable intelligence partner.
In response to the crisis, the FIS has undertaken significant organizational reforms. Beginning in 2021, the service initiated a comprehensive reorganization of its cyber division, implementing new control mechanisms and management structures. The most recent phase of this reorganization took effect on March 1, 2024.
Defense Minister Pfister has emphasized the critical importance of a functioning intelligence service for Swiss security, particularly in the current global climate. The administrative inquiry will be conducted by an independent external body, focusing on the implementation of previous investigation recommendations and the effectiveness of the reforms already in place.
The FIS has expressed concern about the public disclosure of classified information, warning of potential consequences for their operational capabilities. However, the need for transparency and accountability in this matter appears to have taken precedence.