Hugo Drochon (@hdrochon.bsky.social)

“Spies Among Us”: Espionage in Europe – A study on convicted spies in Europe 2008–2024 This study analyses open cases of individuals convicted of espionage in Europe between 2008 and 2024. The study focuses on espionage carried out by European citizens on behalf of foreign states, with a particular emphasis on insider espionage. Based on the literature, open sources on convicted individuals, and interviews with prosecutors, journalists, and researchers, the report identifies the instigating states, recruitment patterns, motives, operational methods, and target areas. A total of 70 cases were identified, spread across 20 countries. Most cases of convicted spies were found in Estonia, followed by Germany. In general, there were many cases in the Baltic states, while the number of cases of convicted spies was significantly lower in Western European countries. The study identifies ten types of spies, in which the image of traditional insiders with privileged access is broadened to include other types, such as non-experts in civilian sectors and one-time agents. The motives are multifaceted and often reflect economic drivers, ideological beliefs, coercion, or ego-related dissatisfaction. Recruitment strategies combine classic intelligence methods with digital approaches, including recruitment via social media. Espionage targets identified in the material cover several areas, from military and political information to critical infrastructure and new technologies. Taken together, these developments underscore the growing complexity of today's HUMINT threats in Europe https://www.linkedin.com/redir/redirect/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Efoi%2Ese%2Fen%2Ffoi%2Freports%2Freport-summary%2Ehtml%3FreportNo%3DFOI-R--5866--SE&urlhash=y7W6&mt=mNGh8F8jATcoTVoyaHgOddvHMe4MzmtQoB-00H4XQvGI_pnsTOezOGM6xj4u3gxbPgJCWEJJF-xWmL8AJsqHSzBFVSoGC_6uGZSw3zDOvNLVLuc3JFwIm0-maA&isSdui=true