Estonia detains 10 people suspected of involvement in ‘hybrid operation’ coordinated by Russian special services

Between December 2023 and February 2024, the Estonian Internal Security Service (ISS) detained 10 people who were suspected of participating in a “hybrid operation” against the security of Estonia and coordinated by Russian special services, according to an ISS press release.

The ISS said the operation’s goal was “to spread fear and create tension in Estonian society.” The investigation reported that those detained had collected information for the preparation of terrorist attacks on the orders of Russian special services, and that some of the attacks had been carried out.

Among those detained are individuals suspected of breaking the car windows of both Estonian Interior Minister Lauri Laanemets and a journalist in December 2023. Some of those who were detained are also suspected of vandalizing memorials.

According to State Prosecutor Triinu Olev, the detained include both Russian and Estonian citizens, including a few individuals with dual citizenship. Six of those detained are in custody. Estonia’s Prime Minister Kaja Kallas said that “Estonia has successfully stopped a hybrid operation by Russia’s security services on our territory.”