Russian Spy Aspires for Top Security Role in Serbia and Central Asia
Russian diplomat Dmitry Iordanidi, who was recalled from Brussels amid spy allegations by Belgian authorities, has been nominated to head the Belgrade mission of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), a joint investigation by RFE/RL and European media outlets has revealed. Iordanidi, a former deputy head of the OSCE mission to Bosnia-Herzegovina with experience in the Balkans, has been selected by Moscow to lead the organization’s mission to Serbia.
The nomination of Iordanidi comes at a time of heightened accusations against Russia by the United States and European governments regarding their activities in the region covered by the OSCE. Iordanidi is one of 20 Russian diplomats who left Brussels in 2023 due to allegations of espionage by the Belgian State Security Service. Despite being affiliated with Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), Iordanidi was not declared persona non grata like the other diplomats, and Russia recalled him after Belgium communicated they would take that action.
Now, Moscow is pushing for Iordanidi to lead the OSCE mission in Serbia, as well as to head OSCE program offices in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. The recruitment process for these positions is still ongoing, according to the OSCE.
Western officials have criticized Russia for interfering in the operations of the OSCE and abusing the organization’s consensual politics, particularly in relation to the conflict in Ukraine. Russia, on the other hand, has accused the OSCE of becoming an appendage of NATO and the EU.
As Russia continues to face allegations of espionage and malign activities in Europe, the nomination of Iordanidi to lead key OSCE missions raises concerns about Moscow’s influence within the organization. With evolving threats from Russia, including online recruitment and sabotage tactics, Western experts emphasize the need to remain vigilant against Russian interference in various forms.
The Belgian spy purge that led to the expulsion of 20 Russian diplomats underscores the ongoing tensions between Russia and European countries. While Belgium aims to maintain diplomatic relations with Russia, it also seeks to prevent espionage activities within its borders. The list of alleged Russian spies includes individuals linked to Russia’s military intelligence directorate, the GRU.
The nomination of Iordanidi, amidst these circumstances, highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region and the challenges posed by Russian activities in Europe.
