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Russia Moves Top Spies to Mexico, Taking Advantage of Weak Intelligence Infrastructure
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Russia’s espionage activities in Mexico have grown significantly in recent years, as Moscow seeks to exploit the country’s proximity to the United States and its less stringent surveillance environment, New York Times (NYT) reported on December 8.
US officials have expressed concern that Russia has relocated many of its top spies to Mexico, taking advantage of the country’s tourism industry and weak intelligence infrastructure focused more on domestic threats, such as drug cartels.
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Despite US warnings, Mexican authorities have been reluctant to expel Russian operatives. Even after the CIA provided a list of more than two dozen Russian spies posing as diplomats, the Mexican government refused to take action, dismissing US concerns. This reluctance is partially attributed to the Morena party, which currently governs Mexico and is seen as having pro-Russian sympathies and a mistrust of US influence, according to NYT.
Russia’s espionage efforts are not new, but they have intensified since the 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Moscow is seeking valuable intelligence on US support for Ukraine, as well as opportunities to undermine Washington’s global standing.
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The US Embassy in Mexico City even appointed its first “Russia watcher” in August 2025, a direct response to the growing scope of Russian intelligence activities in the region.
While Mexico’s stance has frustrated US officials, Russia’s use of Mexico as a hub for covert operations mirrors its Cold War-era tactics. Historically, Mexico has been an important location for Soviet intelligence, and it remains a strategic base for Russian activities in Latin America today, NYT writes.
Previously, 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.
According to the report, Brazil served as a “starting point” where these spies legally obtained documents, built networks, and perfected their cover stories. After establishing themselves, they moved on to the United States, Europe, or Middle Eastern countries to carry out operations.
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