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Russia’s Most Secretive FSB’s Spy Network Unmasked by Souvenir Badges Sold Online
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
![Photo of Tetiana Frolova]( "Photo of Tetiana Frolova")
An open-source intelligence (OSINT) investigation has uncovered the internal structure and geographic footprint of one of the Russian Federal Security Service’s most secretive units—Center 16—responsible for electronic surveillance and cyber espionage.
The findings were made possible by analyzing images of commemorative and service badges shared online by FSB personnel and collectors.
According to a report published by Finnish research group Check First, over 200 photographs of badges related to Center 16 were collected from resale platforms, collector forums, and websites of manufacturers such as Breget, SpetsZnak, and GosZnak.
By examining these materials, the analysts were able to map at least ten separate directorates within the unit, each marked by a unique Cyrillic letter: А, Б, В, Д, К, П, С, СП, СТ, and Т. Prior to the investigation, only one—Department B—had been publicly identified.
The symbolic imagery on the badges provided insight into the likely functions of specific departments. For example, a badge with a computer icon is associated with Department K, suggesting its role in network operations.
Another, marked with a key and three winged lightning bolts, likely indicates responsibility for securing internal communications.
The researchers also identified two regional branches—Unit 3 and Unit 7—with the latter located in Novosibirsk.
Each directorate is believed to employ at least 55 personnel, in line with internal FSB standards, while smaller departments reportedly require a minimum of eight staff. Based on this, Check First estimates the total personnel assigned to Center 16 to be no fewer than 566 individuals.
In addition to organizational insights, the team successfully geolocated ten radio-electronic surveillance facilities linked to the unit.
These sites are positioned across Russia, forming a strategic interception network aimed at monitoring satellite, diplomatic, governmental, and military communications beyond the country’s borders.
Key facilities include Unit 03110, situated near Sochi. Previously based in Lourdes, Cuba—until the closure of that station in 2001—this unit now likely monitors the Caucasus and Middle East regions.
Another notable site is Unit 83521, located in the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad. Its position provides access to European communications, including potential surveillance of NATO operations.
Some badges also bear additional identifiers such as five-digit codes and titles like “17th CSS” (Center for Special Communications), allowing analysts to connect certain designations with specific missions or locations.
One recurring symbol found on the badges—a globe marked with the Cyrillic letter “и” (i)—is presumed to denote an internal department focused on information gathering.
Earlier, The New York Times revealed that Russian spies had used Brazil as a base to obtain authentic documents and build false identities before conducting espionage operations in the US, Europe, and the Middle East.
At least nine agents were identified, including some who operated under Brazilian aliases and ran front businesses. Only one, Sergey Cherkasov, was arrested and sentenced in Brazil, while others managed to flee or were later exchanged.
