“Brazilian” Russian spy identified while trying to start internship at International Criminal Court – Observer

Sergei Vladimirovich Sergasov, an agent of the GRU, was identified by Russian military intelligence as “Victor Mller Ferreira” while trying to approach the International Criminal Court (ICC) as a “teacher’s favorite” and as a trainer.

Before applying for an internship at the ICC, the 36-year-old spent many years creating his own fake identity. One Document published by Dutch intelligence services, It is believed to have been written by Sergasov. Born in 1989 in Rio de Janeiro, Victor Mல்லller described Ferreira’s entire fictional biography.With details like close relationship with aunt and platonic love on geography teacher.

In 2014, the agent began his studies in political science at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland. After graduating in 2018, he went to the United States to pursue a master’s degree at the prestigious Johns Hopkins’ School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS).

At SAIS, Cherkasov became popular among students and teachers. “He’s a teacher’s favorite,” one of his former colleagues said in a statement CNN“I never suspected (that he was a spy).”

However, his accent aroused suspicion among his colleagues, who asked him directly if he was Russian. “Victor” immediately left the conversation, “Looking back, it’s a ‘warning sign’,” the student said.

His excellent academic performance and good relationship with teachers earned him a “Brazilian” letter of recommendation from one of the teachers who taught about genocide. Internship at The Hague Court.

Upon his arrival in the Netherlands, where he began his internship, Sergasov was refused entry by Dutch authorities because he was considered. A “potentially high” threatHe was immediately deported to Brazil.

It is unclear how agents from the European country found out the true identity of the Russian agent, but former U.S. Secret Service officials told CNN that it was not uncommon for some identified spies to be remotely tracked to reach a larger network. Therefore, it is often possible The United States provided information about “M முller” to the Netherlands long before it arrived in the country.

Oh Access to documents related to investigations into possible war crimes committed by Russia In 2008, Georgia, and in 2022, Ukraine, Dutch officials suspected that this would be M “ller’s main motive.

“If this person had actually been offered the chance to work at the ICC, he would have collected information, destroyed resources and accessed digital systems,” the Dutch service explains. “For these reasons, confidential access to ICC information would be invaluable to the Russians.”

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is “grateful to the Netherlands for this important step and to expose security threats in general.”

In Brazil, he lived for some time as agent Victor Mueller Ferreira. He was arrested by Brazilian police for using false documents. He is currently in custody for questioning.