MI6 is launching a dedicated portal on the dark web to find new spies, with a focus on recruiting people from Russia.
The secure messaging platform, named Silent Courier, is meant to make it easier for the intelligence agency to attract and communicate with potential agents. The UK's Foreign Office stated that this new approach is a way to bolster national security.
In his final public speech as MI6 Chief, Sir Richard Moore announced the worldwide recruitment drive, targeting potential spies in Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. He encouraged people to anonymously access the dark web by following instructions in a YouTube video.
A Scathing Critique
During his speech, Sir Richard also strongly criticized Russian President Putin. He said there's no evidence that Putin is interested in a negotiated peace for the war in Ukraine and that "he is stringing us along." He added that Putin has "bitten off more than he can chew," and that the war is accelerating the long-term decline of Russia's economy and population.
Sir Richard also accused China of supporting Russia's war effort with both diplomatic backing and "dual-use goods" like chemicals and electronic components. He argued that this support, along with help from Iran and North Korea, is preventing Putin from agreeing to a sensible deal.
How the Portal Works
Anyone with sensitive information about terrorism or hostile intelligence can use the portal to contact the UK securely. Instructions on how to use it will be available on MI6's official YouTube channel. Users are advised to access the portal through a trustworthy VPN and use devices that aren't linked to them.
This move follows a similar tactic used by the CIA, which published videos on social media to recruit potential Russian spies in 2023.
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