Conflict & Security
Investigation Reveals Russian GRU Unit Using Japan as Tech Pipeline for Military
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AI-generated summary
Investigation Reveals Russian GRU Unit Using Japan as Tech Pipeline for Military
A New York Times investigation has uncovered that Russia's 20th Directorate of the GRU operates a covert network in Japan to acquire advanced technology for its war effort.
- According to Ukrainian government estimates, approximately 90 percent of Russian missiles and drones contain Japanese-made components.
- Maxim Vladimirovich Velichenkov, a Russian intelligence officer, arrived in Japan in February 2024 under cover as an Aeroflot employee, the investigation reported.
- Ukraine sent at least eight diplomatic memos to Japan's Foreign Ministry in April 2025 providing evidence of Japanese components found in Russian weapons used against civilians.
- Takehiko Miki, owner of shipping firm Broco Air, confirmed knowing Velichenkov but denied knowledge of his intelligence role or involvement in shipping banned goods to Russia.
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