MI6 launches new drive to recruit spies - including Russians

MI6 is launching a new dark web portal to recruit spies for the UK.

The secure messaging platform Silent Courier aims to boost national security by making it easier for the intelligence agency to recruit potential agents in Russia and around the world, the Foreign Office said.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said: "As the world changes, and the threats we're facing multiply, we must ensure the UK is always one step ahead of our adversaries."

Silent Courier is accessible from Friday and enables a secure avenue to submit sensitive information to the UK relating to terrorism or hostile intelligence activity.

Instructions on how to use the portal - including recommendations to use trustworthy VPNs and devices not linked to users - will be available on MI6's verified YouTube channel.

Sir Richard Moore, the outgoing MI6 chief, is set to announce Silent Courier and confirm details about the portal during a speech in Istanbul on Friday.

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Mr Moore, who has previously called on Russians to spy for Britain, is expected to say: "Today we're asking those with sensitive information on global instability, international terrorism or hostile state intelligence activity to contact MI6 securely online.

"Our virtual door is open to you."

The CIA launched a similar approach in 2023, publishing videos on social media to target potential Russian spies.

(c) Sky News 2025: MI6 launches new drive to recruit spies - including Russians