RUSSIA is compiling a “hit list” of western MPs and journalists, an exiled Russian oligarch has claimed.
Mikhail Khodorkovsky said GRU spies had orders to track down Kremlin critics for “imminent” attacks.
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The former Yukos oil baron who spent 10 years in Russian prisons said: “Putin’s spies are building a hit list of journalists, politicians, and public figures across Europe.”
He claimed GRU military intelligence officers tasked agents across Europe to find targets’ home and and work addresses.
He said they were compiliing a “hit list for future operations”.
He added: “The threat is real and immediate. Those who understand the regime know these intelligence-gathering operations precede direct action.”
The Sun understands least two European journalists on a Russian wanted list have been targeted by Russian spies seeking personal information.
It comes after MI6 warned Russian spies had gone “feral” across Europe.
Spy chief Sir Richard Moore – who is known as C at the Secret Intelligence Service – said Moscow had unleashed a “staggeringly reckless campaign” of attacks including putting firebombs on DHL cargo planes.
MI5 spy chief Ken McCallum has also warned Russia was hiring thugs to carry out attacks.
He accused Moscow of plotting “arson, sabotage and more – dangerous actions conducted with increasing recklessness”.
US and German intelligence said Moscow had planned to kill the chief executive of Rheinmetall, the German armaments giant that supplies Ukraine.
Khordokovsky, who now lives in London, said attacks on Kremlin critics would be carried out by rent-a-thugs hired on “anonymous online channels”.
He also suggested Russia might use “far-right groups or outright criminal elements”.
A GRU team conducted the deadly Novichok nerve agent attack in Salisbury in 2018 that killed innocent mum-of-three Dawn Sturgess.
Khordokovsky’s warning comes after six Bulgarians based in Britain were convicted of spying for Russia, including by conducting surveillance and honey trap missions on investigative journalists.
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The spy ring targeted British based journalist Christo Grozev, from the Bellingcat website, and exiled Russian journalist Roman Dobrokhotov, from the investigative website the Insider.
Vanya Gaberova, 30, who ran a beauty salon in west London, was ordered to seduce Grozev.
She claimed he was”hooked and in love” in WhatsApp messages shared at the Old Bailey.
They are due to be sentenced next month.