Russia Is Recruiting Citizens via Dark Web to Influence 2025 Election, Polish Official Says

A senior Polish government official accused Russia of using the dark web to recruit Polish citizens in an effort to interfere with Poland’s presidential election campaign. Reuters reported this on January 28, citing Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski.

Gawkowski revealed that Russia is seeking Polish citizens willing to influence the election campaign, set to be held on 18 May 2025, from within the country. They are reportedly offering payments of €3,000–€4,000 ($3,130–$4,170) to spread disinformation.

“This is money directed from the Russian services GRU  and FSB , which are looking for such patrons of their content here,” Gawkowski said.

According to the news agency, the recruitment efforts are being conducted through the dark net. He noted that Poland has been monitoring such attempts since the beginning of the year.

On January 18, Poland’s Minister of Digital Affairs, Krzysztof Gawkowski, raised concerns about Russian intelligence operations aimed at recruiting Polish citizens to destabilize the country ahead of its presidential elections.