Latvia: MEP working for Russian intelligence for two decades: report

Latvian MEP Tatjana Zdanoka (Tatyana Zhdanok) has been working for Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) for two decades, according to a joint investigation by Re:Baltica, DELFI, The Insider, and Expressen. Leaked documents reveal that Zdanoka reported to two different FSB handlers from at least 2004 to 2017. She submitted detailed reports on her work at the European Parliament and efforts to foster pro-Russian sentiment in the Baltic States. The documents indicate that Zdanoka requested funding from Russia for her political activities. One Western intelligence officer noted that the FSB managed to run its operations with European taxpayer money, as MEPs such as Zdanoka were financed by their groups in the European Parliament. Zdanoka, who represents the Latvian Russian Union (LKS), denied having ties to the FSB.