Spy Incident Involving Azerbaijani Intelligence Services Discovered, NSS Reports

The National Security Service of the Republic of Armenia has revealed an incident of espionage conducted by employees of the intelligence services of the Republic of Azerbaijan. This was confirmed by the NSS's information service as they undertook widespread operational and investigative measures to ensure national security against external threats and to reinforce the foundations of the state.

Specifically, at the behest of the Azerbaijani intelligence, an unidentified individual acting in the territory of the Republic of Turkey presented themselves as an NSS operative involved in covert intelligence activities in Turkey. This person persuaded an Armenian citizen to provide classified information about various military units and military equipment of Armenia, including photographs, purportedly to aid in their career advancement. They supplied the necessary equipment for taking these photographs.

Under the operational control of the NSS, information gathered from the Armenian citizen, directed by foreign intelligence, was used to undermine the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and external security of the Republic of Armenia. Between 2011 and 2018, the information that had already been processed by NSS employees was provided through the Armenian citizen to the Republic of Azerbaijan.

A criminal case has been initiated in accordance with Article 302 of the RA Criminal Code (espionage) at the NSS investigative department, and measures are being taken to keep similar cases under permanent operational scrutiny and to prevent further crimes of this nature.