Argentina uncovers suspected Russian spy ring behind disinformation campaigns

Argentina’s intelligence service reportedly has uncovered a group of suspected Russian spies accused of spreading disinformation to promote Moscow's interests in the region.

Local media, citing sources at Argentina’s State Intelligence Secretariat (SIDE), reported that Russian citizens collaborated with Argentines to interfere in the country’s domestic affairs through propaganda and disinformation campaigns.

The group was allegedly part of an organization called “The Company,” which is reportedly linked to the Kremlin and Project Lakhta — a Russian interference operation targeting citizens in the U.S., Europe and Ukraine.

The suspected leader of the spy ring, Lev Andriashvili, and his wife, Irina Iakovenko — both Russian citizens — are believed to have been responsible for receiving funding and establishing connections with local collaborators.

Their goal, according to presidential spokesperson Manuel Adorni, was “to form a group of people loyal to Russia's interests” and carry out disinformation campaigns targeting the Argentine state.

Adorni said the group allegedly created and spread content on social media, influenced local civil organizations, conducted focus groups with Argentine citizens and gathered political intelligence for Russia.

“Argentina will not be subjected to the influence of any other nation,” Adorni said in a statement cited by Agence France Presse.

Project Lakhta was reportedly overseen by the late Russian oligarch and Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin. His media empire — formally dissolved in October 2024 — was best known for operating “troll farms” that ran disinformation campaigns, including during the 2016 U.S. presidential election.