SRI explains how Russia recruits vulnerable people for sabotage operations in Romania

Russia is recruiting vulnerable people in Romania to carry out acts of sabotage, offering them money and seemingly simple tasks, Ovidiu Marincea, spokesperson for the Romanian Intelligence Service (SRI), said in an interview with Antena 3 CNN. The statements come after the service identified a Russia-coordinated network involved in starting the fire at the Carfil weapons factory.

According to SRI, recruitment may begin with a message on social media and a substantial financial offer. Targets are generally people with financial problems, criminal records, or who feel excluded from the social groups they belong to.

Marincea explained that the actions may begin with documenting military, industrial, or energy facilities, including by taking photographs. The operations are part of Russia’s hybrid war and may be carried out through agents in intermediary states to conceal the origin of the attack.

Since 2024, SRI has made public four cases of sabotage in Romania. Marincea said that the service is not afraid of Russia, but is responsibly monitoring the intensification of hostile activities.