Investigation into Russian Spy Network in Argentina
Federal prosecutors in Argentina have initiated an investigation aimed at uncovering the logistics and financial networks facilitating the entry of Russian spies into the country to conduct disinformation activities. This information was reported by the newspaper La Nacion on Sunday.
The Argentine government had previously revealed, back in June, that officials from the Side Intelligence Secretariat identified a Russian spy network operating within the nation. According to a statement from the then-president’s spokesperson, Manuel Adorni, these activities were said to align with Russia’s geopolitical interests while maintaining close ties with Argentina.
Adorni elaborated that members of this network are considered part of an enterprise with links to the Russian government and associated with the “Lakhta” disinformation initiative. This program purportedly aimed to unite individuals loyal to Russian interests, manipulate the Argentine state, and sway public opinion.
The tasks attributed to this network included crafting and sharing social media content, influencing local NGOs and citizen organizations, forming focus groups, and gathering political intelligence in line with Russian interests.
As reported by La Nacion, at least six spies linked to the Russian GRU Military Intelligence Agency have been identified as having traveled through Argentina. Federal prosecutor Eduardo Taiano’s report indicated that between 2012 and 2022, these spies received assistance from both Argentinian and foreign entities.
The identified GRU spies included individuals such as Alexander Berner and Olga Kolova. Their initial emergence into the spotlight was attributed to a “mistake” made by the Russian GRU, with their passports showing consecutive numbers closely mirroring those of known spies who had traversed Europe. The actions of these individuals allegedly fell under Argentina’s local laws addressing espionage and treason.
Additionally, the investigation noted the presence of Artiom Dultsev and Anna Dultseva, who were recognized as spies for the Russian regime and had lived in Argentina for several years under false identities. Operating under names like “Ludwig Gish” and “Maria Rosa Mayer Munoz,” they reportedly moved through multiple Argentine provinces without raising suspicions, even gaining Argentine citizenship.
This couple eventually relocated from Argentina to Slovenia in 2017. Reports indicate they returned to Russia in 2022 as part of a prisoner exchange between Russia and the U.S. Their initial movement to Argentina was facilitated by a visa waiver agreement signed in 2009 between then-President Christina Fernandez de Kirchner and Russia.
Historically, Argentina has had relatively lenient immigration policies. However, President Javier Milei has recently implemented measures aimed at tightening immigration controls, including prohibiting the entry of individuals with criminal backgrounds.
The ongoing investigation, led by prosecutor Taiano, aims to clarify the members of the support network that aided the spies during their time in Argentina. Taiano indicated that three local individuals are suspected of contributing to this spy network, including a man named Fabian Horacio Gutierrez.
Reports suggest that Gutierrez’s spouse, a Ukrainian national named Olga Alexandrivska, along with another individual, Ali Kerch, may have assisted the spies in their illicit endeavors. Gutierrez, when contacted, downplayed the investigation’s implications and expressed a desire for citizenship procedures to protect himself and his wife.
He acknowledged a residual connection to “Gisch,” asserting the paperwork looked legitimate to him, and he claimed no involvement in the digital documentation process being handled by Argentinian authorities.
Gutierrez denied any relationship with Kerch, yet the prosecutor’s findings indicated that Kerch, suspected of aiding the Russian spies, had entered Argentina on a flight from Moscow with Gutierrez in 2016. Moreover, it’s reported that Kerch is associated with the Algerian Embassy, which is regarded as friendly to Russian interests, and lived in close proximity to where the Russian spies resided.
The investigation seeks access to various records associated with the individuals under suspicion, including phone and financial documentation.
