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Argentina Uncovers Russian Spies Allegedly Spreading Disinformation and Manipulating Public Opinion
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Argentina’s National Intelligence Service (SIDE) has uncovered a group of Russian nationals who were establishing a local influence network to advance Moscow’s interests, La Derecha Diario reported on June 18.
According to the Argentine newspaper, the group spread disinformation, manipulated public opinion, and sought to interfere in Argentina’s domestic affairs.
Official sources stated that those involved are believed to have ties to the Kremlin’s geopolitical agenda and engaged in spreading disinformation and manipulating public opinion.
The investigation points to an organization known as “La Compañía,” reportedly connected to the late Russian oligarch Yevgeniy Prigozhin , who died in August 2023, and the so-called Lakhta Project, a network notorious for global disinformation campaigns.
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Authorities have reportedly identified Lev Konstantinovich Andriashvili, a Russian national residing in Argentina, as the group’s alleged leader. He is believed to operate alongside his wife, Irina Iakovenko, also a Russian citizen. Both are accused of receiving funding and forging ties with local collaborators.
“La Compañía’s objective is to form a group of individuals loyal to Russia’s interests,” an official statement said.
In response, the government has announced the creation of the Federal Investigation Department within the Argentine Federal Police. The new unit will focus on combating organized crime, drug trafficking, and terrorism.
“The government will not allow Argentina to be subjected to the influence of any other nation,” Casa Rosada officials said.
On May 21, The New York Times published an investigation revealing that a group of Russian spies lived in Brazil for years, creating fake identities to conduct espionage activities in other countries on behalf of the Kremlin.
