Russia has sent spies to Japan to procure missile components – NYT
This is reported by The New York Times, citing current and former intelligence officials from five Western countries.
According to the publication, the operation is being coordinated by a special unit of the GRU – the so-called 20th Directorate – whose officers are operating in Japan under the cover of diplomats and business representatives.
Journalists name Maxim Filchenkov as one of the key figures involved. Officially, he works at Aeroflot’s representative office in Tokyo, but Western intelligence services consider him to be a full-time employee of Russian military intelligence.
According to the NYT, after arriving in Japan in 2024, he began establishing logistics routes to deliver high-tech products to Russia via third countries, notably Vietnam, Sri Lanka and Uzbekistan.
The publication notes that Japan has become one of the most important channels through which Russia obtains modern electronics, thanks to its strong industrial base and weak anti-espionage legislation.
According to estimates by the Ukrainian authorities, up to 90 per cent of Russian missiles and drones contain components manufactured in Japan.
Ukraine has repeatedly informed Tokyo about such supplies. In April 2025 alone, the Ukrainian side sent eight diplomatic notes to the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, accompanied by photographs and a list of components identified in Russian missiles and drones.
These included, in particular, products from NEC, Panasonic, Toshiba and other Japanese manufacturers.
Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has stated that it is warning companies about the risks of circumventing sanctions and is imposing restrictions on individuals who assist Russia.
However, as the NYT notes, the capabilities of Japanese law enforcement agencies are limited due to the lack of comprehensive legislation on espionage.
For example, in January, the Tokyo police exposed a Russian intelligence officer who was posing as a Ukrainian citizen and attempting to steal trade secrets. However, criminal proceedings were only initiated under the section on unfair competition, and the suspect himself managed to leave Japan before any charges were brought.
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