Mysterious Vessels: Russian 'Fishermen' Suspected of Spying in European Waters

European security services are increasingly concerned about a segment of the Russian fishing fleet operating in European waters. While appearing to be ordinary fishing vessels, intelligence suggests some may be involved in covert operations, including gathering intelligence, mapping vital undersea infrastructure, and potentially preparing for sabotage.

The European Union has taken action, sanctioning two Russian fishing companies, Norebo JSC and Murman Sea Food, in May 2025. The EU cited their alleged connection to Russian state surveillance and activities targeting critical infrastructure, such as undersea cables. Norway followed suit months later, with its foreign minister warning that these companies' activities could facilitate future sabotage. Norebo JSC has denied the accusations.

European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis, publicly acknowledged concerns, stating, "We are aware that Russia is involved in illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing activities, as well as espionage, mapping critical infrastructure, and sabotage activities. This raises security concerns." He noted that Russia is using trawlers for intelligence gathering.

Experts like Erlend Heier from the Fridtjof Nansen Institute highlight that using civilian vessels for espionage is not new, with major powers employing such methods for decades. However, Heier points out that the scale of Russian activities has significantly increased since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. These vessels' presence is less conspicuous, allowing them to operate for extended periods in sensitive areas, posing a growing threat to European communications, energy, and security infrastructure.

“

We are aware that Russia is involved in illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing activities, as well as espionage, mapping critical infrastructure, and sabotage activities. This raises security concerns.