Russian Intelligence Activities in Canada: The Latest Case of an “Illegal”

This article discusses Russia's use of “illegals” for espionage purposes, using the recent Canadian case of one “Paul William Hampel.” Unmasked in November 2006, his case of was reminiscent another one a decade earlier which involved two Russians who also operated under false Canadian identities. Although we do not know how much of a role simple luck or poor Russian tradecraft played in Hampel's case, that Russia is still using Canada for espionage purposes should not come as a surprise. One of the few tools Russia has absent a strong economy and rejuvenated armed forces, is its intelligence apparatus. Hampel's case should serve as a warning to all well-established advanced democracies: espionage is as important today as it ever was in the pursuit of a state's national interests. *The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not reflect the official position of the government of Canada or any of its departments and agencies.