MI6 to launch dark web portal to recruit Russian spies
MI6 to launch its own portal for recruiting new agents (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
British intelligence agency MI6 is launching its own specialized Silent Courier portal on the dark web to recruit new agents online, including from Russia, according to the BBC.
The UK Foreign Office stated that the platform’s purpose is to simplify the recruitment process and strengthen national security. Potential targets for recruitment will include agents in Russia and other countries around the world.
The launch is expected to be officially announced in a speech on Friday morning in Istanbul by the current MI6 chief, Richard Moore.
Ahead of Friday’s speech on the new portal, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper stated that national security is the foremost duty of any government and the foundation of the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change.
She said that as the world evolves and threats increase, “We must ensure the UK is always one step ahead of our 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 added.
BBC notes that starting Friday, anyone will be able to use the portal to confidentially provide sensitive information to the UK related to terrorism or hostile intelligence activity. Instructions for using the portal will be published on MI6’s verified YouTube channel.
Users are advised to access the portal through reliable VPNs and to use devices not personally linked to them.
The portal’s launch follows a similar approach to that of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), which in 2023 posted videos on social media targeting potential Russian agents.
Previously, the CIA suffered catastrophic losses of its agents in China after the Chinese Ministry of State Security hacked its dark web channels.
Changes in the CIA structure
Previously, a secret CIA facility in Virginia was mistakenly listed among properties for sale.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump is making unprecedented cuts to the intelligence workforce amid heightened espionage activity from Russia and China.
In February, the Trump administration offered CIA employees a so-called buyout program. Federal staff could resign and receive approximately eight months of benefits and salary.
