The Military Intelligence and Security Service of the Netherlands (MIVD) released its annual report on Tuesday (April 22), highlighting that Russia is increasing covert efforts to undermine European societies through hybrid attacks. The report also emphasized that China’s support for Russia’s operations and its aggressive stance towards Taiwan continue to pose a serious threat to Europe.
According to Reuters, MIVD Director Peter Reesink stated in the report, “We see the threat posed by Russia to Europe escalating, including potentially after the end of its war in Ukraine.”
The report revealed that for the first time, Russia targeted public service units in the Netherlands with network disruption activities aimed at gaining control over systems, although the attempt was thwarted. However, MIVD did not specify the units involved.
MIVD uncovered a Russian cyber operation targeting critical infrastructure in the Netherlands, indicating preparations for potential sabotage actions.
Western countries have expressed concerns in recent years about the increasingly aggressive hybrid threats posed by Russia and China.
MIVD stated that these threats can take various forms, including physical sabotage of key infrastructure or influencing society through spreading propaganda, intelligence gathering, and cyber attacks to create instability.
MIVD reiterated warnings regarding several Russian entities mapping out the positions of North Sea infrastructure for intelligence gathering and carrying out sabotage on network cables, water supplies, and energy pipelines.
Regarding the Chinese threat, MIVD also pointed out that Beijing continues to actively seek Western knowledge through investments and espionage activities, particularly focusing on the semiconductor industry in the Netherlands.
MIVD previously stated that the scale of China’s cyber intelligence activities is larger than originally thought, specifically targeting Western governments and defense companies.
(Translated from CNA)