Why Russian spies find Japan such an easy target: ‘people are so polite’

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 1 min read 100% complete by Julian RyallFebruary 3, 2026 at 05:03 AM

AI Summary

short article 1 min

A recent Russian espionage scandal in Japan has highlighted the country's vulnerability to foreign intelligence operations. A former Russian trade official, suspected of being an undercover agent, is accused of violating Japan's laws on unfair competition by obtaining industrial secrets. The Russian agent allegedly befriended a Japanese employee, posing as a Ukrainian, and cultivated a relationship involving meals, money, and information exchange. The Japanese employee reportedly provided details of new machine-tool technologies from his company in exchange for approximately 700,000 yen (US$4,500) in cash in November 2024 and February 2025. The case has raised concerns about industrial espionage and the ease with which sensitive information can be acquired in Japan, prompting discussions about strengthening counter-espionage measures.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Ukraine 40% Tokyo 60% Foreign Intelligence Service 70% Russia ×280% Japan ×490%

Keywords

espionage 90% japan 80% russian spies 80% industrial secrets 70% foreign intelligence service 60% unfair competition 60% machine-tool technologies 50% spycraft 50% data selling 40%