US intelligence officials believe Russian spies are increasing their intelligence-gathering efforts in the United States, amid ongoing investigations over Moscow’s alleged meddling in the 2016 US presidential election.
Russian espionage has increased since the US election because Moscow feels emboldened by the lack of a significant retaliatory response from Washington, CNN reported Thursday, citing current and former US intelligence officials.
“Russians have maintained an aggressive collection posture in the US, and their success in election meddling has not deterred them,” a former senior intelligence official told CNN.
Russians could also be seeking more information on the administration of President Donald Trump, according to Steve Hall, retired CIA chief of operations.
“Whenever there is a deterioration of relations between countries — the espionage and intelligence collection part becomes that much more important as they try to determine…