The Dutch Military Intelligence and Security Service (MVID) has reported that a Russian vessel collecting intelligence on energy infrastructure was detected at a North Sea wind farm.
The Russian actors were attempting to uncover how the energy system works in the North Sea and mapping how wind parks function, indicating an interest in potentially sabotaging the energy infrastructure.
MVID’s head general, Jan Swillens, stated that this was the first time they had seen such activity by Russian actors.
The MVID and AIVD have jointly published a report warning of further covert threats to water and energy supplies in the Netherlands, indicating that Russia is secretly charting this infrastructure and undertaking activities that indicate preparations for disruption and sabotage.
Russian sabotage operations have previously targeted critical offshore systems, including internet cables, gas pipes, and windmill farms. Dutch marine and coast guard ships escorted the Russian vessel away from the North Sea before any sabotage attempt could be successful.
