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Security expert warns: 'Thousands of disposable agents' working for Russia
Germany🏛️ PoliticsLean Progressive9/2/2026

Security expert warns: 'Thousands of disposable agents' working for Russia

A security expert has warned that thousands of disposable agents are being used by Russia. These agents, often operating under false identities, are employed to carry out covert operations, including espionage and sabotage, while avoiding detection. The expert highlights the growing threat posed by these individuals, who are typically recruited for short-term missions and then discarded. This tactic allows Russia to conduct activities without leaving a traceable footprint, making it difficult for intelligence agencies to track their movements or identify their handlers. The warning comes amid increased concerns over Russian influence and hybrid warfare tactics.

A security expert has warned that Russia is deploying thousands of so-called disposable agents across Europe to carry out espionage, sabotage, and disinformation campaigns. According to Konstantinos Tsetsos, a security expert at the University of the German Federal Armed Forces in Munich, these agents are often low-level criminals recruited online for small payments. They lack formal training and operate outside traditional intelligence structures. Tsetsos told RTL and Stern that he believes there are several thousand active and potential disposable agents operating in Europe. These agents are used primarily for surveillance, acts of sabotage such as arson, and spreading disinformation aimed at undermining German politics and the federal government. Earlier this week, Germany’s interior minister, Alexander Dobrindt, and foreign minister, Johann Wadephul, blamed Russia for a drone incident at Leipzig/Halle Airport on August 4. Dobrindt noted that evidence suggests the attack was carried out by individuals linked to low-level agents. Similarly, the suspected plot against Stefan Thumann, CEO of Donaustahl, is believed to have been orchestrated by disposable agents. Thumann described his situation as a life-or-death duel with Russian military intelligence and stated he lives “de facto in the underground.” He received warnings from German authorities shortly before Christmas 2025 about a planned Russian intelligence operation targeting him. An investigative documentary titled Putin's Disposable Agents, The Cheap Enforcers, produced by Stern and airing on RTL, will explore this issue further.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 2 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

Responsible editor: Matej BašaSpotted an error? Report it

2 reports

n-tv logon-tvIndependentCenterFactual 75Objective 659/2/2026
Throughout Europe, security expert warns of Russia's "thousands of disposable agents"

A security expert has warned across Europe about the potential threat posed by 'thousands of disposable agents' from Russia. The term refers to individuals who might be used by Russian intelligence for covert operations, potentially posing risks to European security. This warning comes amid heightened concerns over foreign interference and espionage activities. The expert's comments highlight growing anxieties about the tactics employed by Russia in influencing or destabilizing Western nations.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a warning from a security expert regarding potential Russian threats but does not exhibit clear bias toward either side. It reports on a concern raised by an expert without taking a stance or using loaded language that would indicate a particular ideological leaning.

Why factuality (75): The article reports a warning from a security expert about 'thousands of throwaway agents' from Russia operating in Europe. While no primary source is available, the claim aligns with similar warnings from other media outlets (e.g., Stern), suggesting some level of cross-source consensus. However, t

Why objectivity (65): The tone is somewhat alarmist, using phrases like 'warnt vor' (warns against) and emphasizing the potential threat without providing counterpoints or nuance. The focus on the 'tausenden Wegwerfagenten' suggests a narrative leaning towards heightened concern, which may reflect editorial bias.

Stern logoSternIndependentProgressiveFactual 75Objective 659/2/2026
Security expert warns: 'Thousands of disposable agents' working for Russia

A security expert has warned that thousands of disposable agents are being used by Russia. These agents, often operating under false identities, are employed to carry out covert operations, including espionage and sabotage, while avoiding detection. The expert highlights the growing threat posed by these individuals, who are typically recruited for short-term missions and then discarded. This tactic allows Russia to conduct activities without leaving a traceable footprint, making it difficult for intelligence agencies to track their movements or identify their handlers. The warning comes amid increased concerns over Russian influence and hybrid warfare tactics.

Bias read (Progressive): The article discusses the use of disposable agents by Russia, which is a politically charged issue involving national security and foreign policy. The framing emphasizes the threat posed by Russia, suggesting a critical stance toward Russian actions, which aligns with a left-leaning perspective that

Why factuality (75): This article also cites a security expert warning about 'thousands of throwaway agents' working for Russia. It mirrors the content of the first article, reinforcing the cross-source consensus. Again, there is no primary source to verify the claim, but the repetition across sources increases credibil

Why objectivity (65): The phrasing 'Sicherheitsexperte warnt' (security expert warns) carries a similar tone of urgency and concern as the previous article. There is little attempt to present alternative viewpoints or contextual information, contributing to a one-sided narrative.

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