- Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) unit, the Department for Counterintelligence Operations (DKRO), has been covertly tracking and targeting high-profile Americans in the country.
- DKRO has arrested Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, former Marines Paul Whelan and Trevor Reed, and is believed to be responsible for incidents blurring the lines between spycraft and harassment.
- The unit leaves calling cards, such as burnt cigarettes and feces, to let their targets know they are being monitored.
- DKRO operates under the leadership of Vladislav Menshchikov, head of the FSB's counterintelligence service, and its actions have intensified amid worsening tensions between Russia and the US.
- US officials believe DKRO is responsible for various incidents targeting American diplomats and embassy personnel in Russia.
Inside the Secretive Russian Security Force That Targets Americans
FSB unit that took Evan Gershkovich is also believed responsible for incidents blurring the lines between spycraft and harassment, including the mysterious death of a diplomat’s dog
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