Criticism Of The British Intelligence Service's Recruitment Program MI6, Russia: Encouraging Betray

Spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maria Zakharova. (Source: Russian Foreign Ministry)

JAKARTA - The British intelligence agency MI6, with the recruitment program of Russian citizens launched on the dark web, deliberately encourages people to commit serious crimes, and the BBC is also guilty of promoting the initiative, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova wrote on Telegram.

Zakharova argues that Britain's official media participation in such a program constitutes a "crime against freedom of speech and conscience."

He recalled that the initiative was publicly presented last week by MI6 Director Richard Moore, emphasizing his main purpose was to establish contact with Russian citizens through the dark web and persuade them to "work together" with British intelligence. According to him, the BBC platform was also used to promote the project.

"According to London, this program is intended to involve Russian citizens who are willing to provide information or cooperate with the UK. This initiative should be given a simpler title: 'Where are you, traitors?'" he was quoted as saying by TASS September 25.

"Based on Russian law, such acts are considered a very serious betrayal of crimes that can be sentenced to life imprisonment. Britain is aware of this, but they continue to encourage people to commit crimes," Zakharova said.

He also noted that the dark web is usually used for illicit purposes, including drug trafficking, weapons, explosives, fake documents and child pornography.

"Using this environment for intelligence gathering is nothing new, the CIA has long relied on such methods. However, this open promotion of resources and its close relationship with the so-called 'sound of truth' and 'symbol of perfection' the BBC makes it a crime against freedom of speech and conscience," he explained.

"Everyone knows that the British secret service is covered in blood and even James Bond films admit this. What is striking in this case is that the BBC has stopped pretending and finally took off its mask," concluded Zakharova.

As previously reported, the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS), Britain's foreign spy agency known as MI6, will use the dark web portal Silent Courier, which allows people to safely convey details about illicit activities anywhere in the world, or offer their own services.

"Today we ask those with sensitive information about global instability, international terrorism, or hostile state intelligence activity to contact MI6 online safely," MI6 chief Richard Moore said.

"Our virtual door is open to you," said Moore, who had previously called on Russian citizens to become British spies.

The news comes as Moore, who has been mentioned by several British media as a potential candidate to become the next British Ambassador to Washington, prepares to step down this month after five years in office. She will be replaced by Blaise Metreweli, MI6's first female head.