Russian spies conducting intelligence operations in Argentina have been detained.

The national government reported that the State Intelligence Secretariat (SIDE) detected a foreign influence operation carried out by a group of Russian citizens residing in the country, in collaboration with Argentinians.

According to official sources, these individuals are reportedly linked to the Kremlin's geopolitical interests and were engaged in disinformation activities and manipulation of public opinion.

Ties to Prigozhin and the Lakhta Project

The investigation revealed the existence of an organization called "La Compañía," connected to the late Russian oligarch Yevgeniy Prigozhin—who died in August 2023—and to the so-called "Lakhta Project," known for its global disinformation campaigns.

The alleged leader of these activities in Argentina is Lev Konstantinovich Andriashvili, a Russian citizen residing in the country, who reportedly operates alongside his wife, Irina Iakovenko, also of Russian nationality. Both are believed to be responsible for receiving funding and establishing connections with local collaborators.

"La Compañía's objective is to form a group of individuals loyal to Russia's interests," stated an official release, with the aim of deploying disinformation campaigns, obtaining sensitive political information, and exerting influence over foundations, NGOs, and civil organizations.

The Federal Investigation Department is born

The Executive announced the creation of the Federal Investigation Department (DFI) within the Argentine Federal Police. This new unit will have as its central objective the fight against organized crime, drug trafficking, and terrorism.

"The government will not allow Argentina to be subjected to the influence of any other nation," officials from Casa Rosada stated.

DFI will seek to emulate international standards such as those of the U.S. FBI. To this end, agents will be trained in advanced investigative techniques and personnel with backgrounds in law, social psychology, and computer science will be incorporated. The investigator's profile will be redefined with the objective of improving the State's capacity to confront complex and sophisticated threats.