Brazilian police have exposed a Russian spy network operating under false documents, dealing a major blow to Moscow’s intelligence program.
Brazil’s Federal Police have uncovered a vast network of Russian spy operations operating under false identities in the country. The investigation, known as Operation East, revealed that Russian agents had been living in Brazil using fabricated documents such as birth certificates, voter registration cards, and passports.
Although the documents appeared legitimate, authorities found no ties between the individuals and any Brazilian birth records or parentage. Federal agents referred to these individuals as “ghosts” and began analyzing millions of records to detect patterns across birth certificates, passports, and social security data.
Brazilian investigators shared their findings with global intelligence agencies. When cross-checked against existing records of Russian intelligence personnel, several identities were matched—enabling Brazil to link real names to the fake identities.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously acknowledged the existence of such operations, describing undercover officers as “special people” serving their fatherland. He oversaw similar activities during his time as a young KGB officer in East Germany at the end of the Cold War.
Over the past three years, Brazilian counterintelligence agents have methodically tracked these operatives. They have identified at least nine Russian officers using Brazilian cover identities.
Many of the spies fled the country after their covers were compromised, leaving behind electronic devices containing communications about their secret missions. In response, Brazil, in coordination with Interpol, issued a series of alerts and circulated the names, photographs, and fingerprints of the operatives.
The investigation dealt a serious blow to Moscow’s intelligence operations, dismantling a highly trained group of officers. At least two were arrested, while others who escaped are unlikely to operate abroad again.
Prosecutors in Brazil have filed a lawsuit to annul a $180 million carbon offset agreement signed by the state of Para, citing legal and ethical violations in the high-profile rainforest conservation initiative backed by major global firms.
Brazil’s economy is expected to have regained momentum in the first quarter of 2025, driven by a surge in household spending and private investment, according to a Reuters poll of economists conducted from May 21–26.
A Brazilian criminal group known as C4 allegedly conspired to assassinate lawmakers and judges using rifles, explosives, and hired lures—prompting a nationwide police operation that has so far led to five arrests.
Mexico, Chile and Uruguay have suspended poultry imports from Brazil after the country reported its first outbreak of bird flu on a commercial farm, Brazilian officials reported.
A confirmed case of bird flu on a commercial farm in Brazil has prompted China to suspend poultry imports, while other countries introduce regional restrictions.
Peace is no longer a dream. It is a discussion. On the streets of Baku and Yerevan, it is also a question, of trust, of foreign interests, and of who truly wants it.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a stark warning of more strikes targeting the Iranian regime, a declaration that comes as Iran confirms the death of a prominent security and foreign policy adviser.
Iranian authorities are reportedly beginning the evacuation of Mehrabad International Airport in Tehran.
Brigadier General Khosrow Hassani, the Deputy Head of Intelligence for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force, has been killed in an alleged Israeli strike inside Iran.
On June 14, President Erdoğan of Türkiye and President Aliyev of Azerbaijan discussed their profound concern over escalating Iran-Israel tensions in an urgent phone call.
Pakistan will begin its first freight train service to Russia from Lahore on June 22. The route is part of the INSTC and aims to connect Pakistan's rail network with Central Asia, establishing a new trade corridor via Iran, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 8th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay is in critical condition after being shot three times — including twice in the head — during a campaign event in Bogotá.
Israeli strikes have reportedly targeted areas near the residences of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to the New York Times, citing local witnesses.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has condemned U.S. immigration raids and National Guard deployment in Los Angeles, calling for reforms instead of enforcement.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a stark warning of more strikes targeting the Iranian regime, a declaration that comes as Iran confirms the death of a prominent security and foreign policy adviser.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned that the cycle of violence sparked by Israel’s attacks on Iran threatens regional stability, urging Syria to avoid involvement during a phone call with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba strongly condemned Israel’s military attacks on Iran on Friday, calling the strikes “totally intolerable” and warning against further escalation in the region.
Israel’s June 13 strikes on Iran led to the deaths of several high-ranking military officials and prominent nuclear scientists, marking a major escalation in the ongoing hostilities between the two countries.
Senator Bernie Sanders announced plans to introduce legislation prohibiting the use of federal funds for any US military action against Iran without explicit congressional authorization, warning against being drawn into what he called Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s “illegal war.”
Peace is no longer a dream. It is a discussion. On the streets of Baku and Yerevan, it is also a question, of trust, of foreign interests, and of who truly wants it.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a stark warning of more strikes targeting the Iranian regime, a declaration that comes as Iran confirms the death of a prominent security and foreign policy adviser.
Iranian authorities are reportedly beginning the evacuation of Mehrabad International Airport in Tehran.
Brigadier General Khosrow Hassani, the Deputy Head of Intelligence for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force, has been killed in an alleged Israeli strike inside Iran.
On June 14, President Erdoğan of Türkiye and President Aliyev of Azerbaijan discussed their profound concern over escalating Iran-Israel tensions in an urgent phone call.
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