Russian intelligence trying to recruit Europeans through Russian Geographical Society

That’s according to an investigation by Current Time and System Project, uploaded on YouTube, Ukrinform reports.

The Russian-speaking citizen of Norway reported that Russian intelligence operatives, under the guise of employees of the Russian Geographical Society, tried to recruit him, proposing that he take pictures of a number of military facilities near the cities of Alt and Tromse in northern Norway.

Another topic in which "RGS representatives" expressed interest was the situation in one of the Norwegian mosques, where "two guys from the former Soviet republics, Muslims, allegedly sealed a same-sex marriage."

For performing the task, the Norwegian was promised over $1,000 per day, and also offered to travel to a "geographical conference" to Murmansk or Arkhangelsk.

The man revealed the names of the two recruiters, their contact details, as well as an audio recording of his conversation confirming his story. Journalists have identified the persons in question without revealing their names in the report. Neither did they name the Norvegian, who exposed the recruiters – all to make sure he and the perpetrators, as well as their families, do not get exposed to any threats.

The recordings and correspondence were transferred to the Norwegian police, who are conducting an investigation. Espionage is a criminal offense in Norway, punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

The Russian Geographical Society is not subject to EU or US sanctions. Its chairman is Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, and Head of the Trustees is President Vladimir Putin.

As reported by Ukrinform, a man holding a Brazilian ID in the name of Jose Jammaria was detained in Norway. It turned out that his real name is Mikhail Mikushin. The Norway Police Special Service PST believes that the person in question is actually a Russian citizen who was spying for Russia under cover.