MI6 has launched a groundbreaking dark web portal to recruit new spies, specifically targeting potential agents in Russia and around the world. The secure messaging platform, called Silent Courier, represents a significant shift in intelligence recruitment methods using cutting-edge technology.
The outgoing chief of the UK's Secret Intelligence Service, Sir Richard Moore, announced the portal during a speech in Istanbul, Turkey on Friday morning. He said: "Today we're asking those with sensitive information on global instability, international terrorism or hostile state intelligence activity to contact MI6 securely online. Our virtual door is open to you."
Targeting Russian recruitment
The Foreign Office confirmed that potential agents in Russia will be specifically targeted by the UK through this new platform. Anyone with sensitive information relating to terrorism or hostile intelligence activity can now access the portal securely from Friday.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasised the strategic importance of the initiative. "National security is the first duty of any government and the bedrock of the Prime Minister's Plan for Change," she said. "As the world changes, and the threats we're facing multiply, we must ensure the UK is always one step ahead of our adversaries."
Technical security measures
Instructions on how to use the portal are publicly available on MI6's verified YouTube channel. Users are strongly recommended to access the platform through trustworthy VPNs and devices not linked to themselves for maximum security.
The approach follows a similar strategy used by the US Central Intelligence Agency, which published videos on social media channels in 2023 to target potential Russian spies. This marks a significant evolution in how intelligence agencies conduct recruitment in the digital age.
Leadership transition
Sir Richard Moore will hand over his role as head of MI6 to Blaise Metreweli in the coming weeks. Metreweli will become the UK foreign intelligence service's first female chief after serving as head of MI6's technology and innovation division, known internally as "Q".
Sources used: "Express", "Independent", "Metro" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
