in 2018 expelled 60 Russian spies in response to the poisoning of a former Soviet spy on British soil. Surge in spying activity in Geneva follows expulsion of agents from neighbouring states, says report. also has a history of nixing diplomatic privileges for those it believes to be using diplomatic ties as a cover for spying.įormer President Obama booted 35 Russian spies after Russia interfered in the 2016 election, and the U.S. Russian espionage ‘booming’ in Switzerland, intelligence chiefs warn. removed privileges for 27 Russian diplomats and their families after imposing a three-year timeline for diplomats. Embassy staff that had been in the country for more than three years to leave after the U.S.

and Russia have had an ongoing spat over diplomatic privileges. “We consider this an escalatory step,” the State Department said at the time. from Moscow earlier this month, revoking privileges for Deputy Chief of Mission Bart Gorman. “I think the hostile act is committing espionage activities on our own soil,” she said. characterizing the step as hostile, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the move was a direct response to Russian activity. diplomatic posts had been in process for months, it falls amid heightened tensions with Russia amid its invasion of Ukraine.Īsked about the Russian ambassador to the U.S. While Dalton said the move to expel the operatives from their U.N. by engaging in espionage activities that are adverse to our national security,” said Olivia Dalton, spokeswoman for the U.S. has informed the Russian Mission that we are beginning the process of expelling 12 intelligence operatives from the Russian Mission who have abused their privileges of residency in the U.S. The Biden administration on Monday announced it would be revoking diplomatic privileges for a dozen Russian spies accused of carrying out espionage under the cover of diplomacy.