The activity of pro-Russian activists is reaching new heights. This is because of a renewed push to increase influence abroad.
It’s done by Russians looking to serve their country by a blend of information and technology.
It’s usually easy enough to complete. The user just needs a smart device like a phone or tablet and a solid Internet connection.
The rest is guided or “coached” by a fellow citizen. Their job is to help them to begin their journey as a servant of the State anywhere in the world.
Their progress is slow to begin with because the effort needs to be built up – and they have to prove their loyalty. Yet it’s now proved that many keep to it.
They begin to enable further spying operations and increased coverage for Russia. This is surveillance upscaling on the cheap.
Walking the walk
The other side of the process – that of the operator – is far removed from the world of the helping hand who is expected to work hard.
They’re usually happy at first to get paid for doing it, especially as the cost of living internationally increases exponentially.
However, it proves to be back breaking. The long hours are off putting and the pay rises are not forthcoming.
Their handlers are often ‘pushy’ types and have a tendency to shout or be aggressive. It’s difficult to keep going if their country is also being abusive in their direction.
However, the urge to do it beats a desire to protest. There’s now evidence of extensive attempts to cover whole cities in the West. It employs thousands.
Getting started
The Piratka group on Telegram is a good example of what it’s like for a new user. This one is about counter-Intelligence.
It features film posters and posts in Russian illustrative of the type of approach the ‘handler’ wants from their students.
It’s alleged the technique is derogatory toward those who work in Intelligence in the UK, and other European nations.
The student is meant to despise it and put it down as nefarious behaviour dressed up to be expert. This diminishes confidence.
The denial of dignity and erosion of professionalism is a typical starting point for some pro-Russian groups active in the West.
Pure invention
This “Training Platform” method is roughly populated by material from manuals individuals get as part of their own training by the Russian state.
Their approach is not necessarily controlled but the outcomes are. These are set and directed by those in Russian spying bodies. They want to see targets met.
All they have to do is find creative ways of communicating their directives without drawing strong interest. It’s to avoid so-called ‘censors’ in the West.
However, albeit the posts are not straightforward calls to execute citizens, the intent is to glorify Russia and promote its aims.
The stages beyond are more detailed and can be more disruptive. If there’s not more Policing of such infiltration of our streets, the results may be seen in our daily lives.
