Story perspectives

Espionage Risks: Russia and China Target European Properties

2/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

Charly Salonius-Pasternak, head of the Nordic West Office, says Russia and China use property acquisitions for espionage and immediate risks.
Intelligence officials report Russian operatives targeting Swiss properties near sensitive sites, including a chemical protection institute and the Large Hadron Collider.
China is pursuing similar strategies, focusing on long-term surveillance near military infrastructure, while Europe remains early in understanding the threat.

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Story summary

Charly Salonius-Pasternak, head of the Nordic West Office, says Russia and China use property acquisitions for espionage and immediate risks.
Intelligence officials report Russian operatives targeting Swiss properties near sensitive sites, including a chemical protection institute and the Large Hadron Collider.
China is pursuing similar strategies, focusing on long-term surveillance near military infrastructure, while Europe remains early in understanding the threat.