FSB Chief Says Russia Foiled 90 Spies In 2005

FSB agent holding a Chechen flag after an operation in the troubled Russian republic (AFP) 16 December 2005 -- The head of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB), Nikolai Patrushev, said on 16 December that the FSB has foiled the efforts of more than 90 foreign intelligence operatives in Russia so far this year.

He said criminal proceedings were launched against one foreign spies, and another 13 were deported.

In addition, six foreign diplomats were denied entry to Russia.

The FSB chief said security forces had detained some 80 activists from extremist groups, some of whom had allegedly been planning terrorist attacks in Russia.

He also told the media that security forces had killed more than 300 suspected militants in operations in the North Caucasus. He said some of those killed were foreign members of Al-Qaeda who had been financed from abroad.

(ITAR-TASS/Interfax)