Russian Spy Network Exposed in Alleged Scheme to Stage Fake Pro-Nuclear Rally in Budapest

Russian intelligence-linked operatives allegedly attempted to stage a paid demonstration outside Hungary’s parliament in Budapest to promote a nuclear power project backed by Russia’s state-owned Rosatom, according to a new investigation based on leaked intelligence documents.

The alleged operation was uncovered by InformNapalm and Ukrainian Militant, which published their findings on October 26 after examining correspondence, internal documents, and digital records obtained by the hacker group 256 Cyber Assault Division.

Investigators identified Russian Colonel Timur Sirtlanov and Lieutenant Colonel Irina Parman, both linked to military unit 33949, previously identified in open-source investigations as a structure associated with Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR).

A leaked email dated September 16 reportedly showed Sirtlanov asking Parman to conduct psychological profiling ahead of a postponed operation in Budapest. The correspondence referred to an “active measure,” a term used by Russian intelligence services for covert influence operations targeting foreign governments and public opinion.

The planned demonstration was intended to generate public support for Paks II, a nuclear power plant expansion project involving Russia’s Rosatom.

Organizers reportedly recruited Russian-speaking residents through Facebook advertisements and coordinated preparations in a private Telegram group called “Friendship of Peoples,” which had 106 members.

Participants were instructed to prepare banners and promotional materials supporting the nuclear project. Organizers also offered additional financial compensation, although investigators found no evidence that payments were actually made.

InformNapalm further traced promotional materials to Parman after discovering that a PDF file contained the author name “Irina Larina,” matching a surname she had previously used online.

The rally was initially scheduled for September 20 outside Hungary’s parliament before being postponed to September 26. However, organizers canceled the demonstration approximately 30 minutes before it was due to begin.

The alleged Russian influence operation emerged amid worsening relations between Moscow and Budapest. On September 8, Hungary expelled ten Russian diplomats over activities incompatible with their diplomatic status.

Meanwhile, the Paks II project has faced increasing scrutiny. Hungarian authorities launched an investigation into financial transactions associated with the project in August, following a European Union court ruling in 2025 overturning the European Commission’s approval of state aid for its construction.

Earlier, in May 2026, Hungary expelled a Russian diplomat identified as an undercover officer of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service. According to VSquare, the diplomat had allegedly spent years cultivating contacts within Hungarian institutions and gathering intelligence on government officials and the Paks II nuclear power project.

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