Russian Spies Expelled from Europe Resurface in Japan to Acquire Military Technology

Following their expulsion from Western countries after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, dozens of Russian intelligence officers have reemerged in Japan under diplomatic and commercial covers, turning the country into a key hub for procuring sensitive military equipment for Russia. A detailed investigation by The New York Times reveals that the Russian military intelligence unit GRU's secret "Directorate 20" operates at the center of this network. According to current and former Western intelligence officials from five agencies, these operatives pose as diplomats and businessmen to acquire or steal technology for battlefield use, then funnel it to Russia through shipping companies and third countries.

The unit has been active in Japan even before the Ukraine war but became crucial after the invasion as Russia urgently sought advanced technology to counter Ukraine's drone and electronic warfare advantages. The operation in Tokyo is led by Maxim Vladimirovich Pilchenkov, a 49-year-old GRU officer officially employed by the Russian state airline Aeroflot. Despite Aeroflot's near cessation of flights to Japan due to sanctions, its local partners, including the Japanese shipping company Proko Air, continue to facilitate shipments. Proko Air, which brands itself as a "bridge between Japan and Russia," transports cargo via countries like Sri Lanka and Uzbekistan before it reaches Russia.

Japan is the world's largest exporter of some sensitive dual-use technologies sought by Russia, with Vietnam acting as a major re-exporter to Moscow. Proko Air's owner, Takehiko Miki, met Pilchenkov in 2018 and began significant cooperation after Pilchenkov's 2024 return to Tokyo. Miki denies knowledge of Pilchenkov's intelligence ties and claims the company only ships permitted goods like medical supplies and cosmetics. However, shipping documents revealed medical equipment sent to the Russian pharmaceutical company R-Pharm, whose founder is sanctioned for close ties to President Vladimir Putin.

Ukraine's government estimates that about 90% of examined Russian missiles and drones contain Japanese components, despite export bans. After a Russian cruise missile killed at least 24 civilians in Kyiv in May, investigators found Japanese computer modules in its guidance system. Ukraine has repeatedly provided Japan with evidence of Japanese-made parts in Russian weapons, including diplomatic notes listing electronic circuits and chips from major Japanese firms like Panasonic, Toshiba, and NEC. These companies deny any export violations, and Japanese authorities have warned firms and blacklisted dozens of foreign companies to prevent sanction circumvention.

Despite this, Japan has taken no action against Pilchenkov. The country is considered a "spy haven" due to weak anti-espionage laws and post-WWII restrictions on intelligence services. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has begun efforts to expand intelligence capabilities and export controls. In January, Tokyo police exposed a Russian intelligence officer posing as a Ukrainian attempting to steal trade secrets, but due to inadequate laws, the Japanese employee was prosecuted instead. Pilchenkov declined to comment to The New York Times, and Aeroflot's Tokyo office refused interviews. The investigation highlights that while the West expelled hundreds of Russian intelligence officers from Europe, Moscow simply relocated many to countries with weaker oversight and critical technology for its war machine.