Thus, this year, Argentine intelligence services exposed a Russian spy network called “La Compañía,” which was conducting intelligence operations in Argentina.
Intelligence sources have linked La Compañía to the Kremlin. They are part of a broader Russian operation related to the so-called “Lakhta Project,” an international disinformation programme previously associated with the late Russian oligarch Yevgeny Prigozhin. Some sources also point to its ties to entities previously funded by Prigozhin, including his troll network and the Wagner PMC.
The main aspect of “La Compañía”’s activities was spreading disinformation, and the main goal was the manipulation of public opinion through social networks, media, public organizations, and foundations.
The network was involved in creating and distributing disinformation to advance Moscow’s interests in Argentina and possibly the wider Latin American region. Some sources even suggest that the network may have been part of a broader Russian strategy to increase its influence in countries with neutral or unstable foreign policies.
“La Compañía” recruited local Argentine citizens and others loyal to Russian interests to form a network of influence agents. In particular, it tried to influence non-governmental organizations, foundations and civil society to promote pro-Russian narratives. Representatives of the group were engaged in active intelligence activities – they collected confidential political information in Argentina that could be used to destabilize the situation in the country or strengthen Russian influence.
To mask its activities, the “La Compañía” network used sophisticated methods of infiltration, including recruitment through cultural and social initiatives.
The network’s operations in Argentina were led by Russian citizens Lev Konstantinovich Andriashvili and his wife Irina Yakovenko. Both are believed to be responsible for obtaining funding and establishing connections with local citizens.
The operation to expose the network was a significant success for Argentine intelligence services, demonstrating their ability to counter foreign espionage operations. The exposure of “La Compañía” also highlighted the intensification of Russian intelligence efforts in Latin America, which has raised concerns in the region.
One of the consequences of this revelation was that the Argentine government announced the creation of a new intelligence agency – the Federal Investigation Department (DFI) within the Argentine Federal Police. The main goal of the newly created unit is to combat organized crime, drug trafficking and terrorism.
“The government will not allow Argentina to be influenced by any other state,” said officials from Casa Rosada (“Casa Rosada” – “Pink House” – is not the official name of the official residence of the Argentine government).
The DFI will strive to emulate international and US standards, following the example of the FBI. To this end, agents will be trained in advanced investigative techniques, and priority will be given to those with experience in law, social psychology, and information technology. The investigator’s profile will be defined to improve the state’s ability to confront complex and sophisticated threats.
Viktor Yahun
