The New York Times reports a Russian military intelligence unit operating out of a Tokyo high-rise has been targeting Japanese dual-use electronics used in Russian missiles and drones. The story names MV Filchenkov, an Aeroflot employee identified as a GRU officer in the 20th Directorate, whose role in Tokyo allegedly included arranging Japanese tech exports to Russia via third countries. The report says Japan's weak counter-espionage laws and post-World War II constraints, together with its high-tech industry, made the country an appealing base for spies who relocated after Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Ukrainian officials estimate 90 percent of Russian missiles and drones contain Japanese components, and Ukraine has notified Japanese authorities numerous times about the transfers. The NYT describes front firms and intermediaries such as Proco Air and R-Pharm as allegedly involved in moving circuit boards, semiconductors, and transmitters into Russian military supply chains.
