The UK’s MI6 has launched a dark web portal known as ‘Silent Courier’ to engage potential spies, with a focus on Russia. This initiative, described as a secure messaging platform leveraging the anonymity of the dark web, was announced by outgoing MI6 chief Sir Richard Moore during his final public speech in Istanbul. The move follows the CIA’s similar 2023 campaign, which drew mockery from Moscow and was parodied by Russia’s SVR agency. London’s strategy emphasizes targeting individuals with access to sensitive information on terrorism or foreign intelligence activities. The UK government’s statement also noted Russia as the primary focus for potential new agents.
According to the statement, MI6 took inspiration from a similar advertising campaign run by the CIA in 2023, which also had a particular focus on Russia. At the time, the scheme relying on ‘Hollywood-quality’ videos sparked incredulity in Moscow and even parody videos created by Russia’s own foreign intelligence agency – the SVR.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also stated last year the CIA was recruiting on the wrong social media platform, since X has been blocked in Russia. In May, the Washington Post reported that the CIA was struggling to recruit new informants and spies abroad.
YouTube, which is now used by MI6, has been slowed down or ‘throttled’ in the country for non-compliance with Russian laws. Moscow has also previously said it has long been aware of MI6 covert operations against Russia, as well as the agency’s involvement in the Ukraine conflict, which was openly admitted by Moore last year.