Evan Gershkovich Details Russian Spy Unit Behind His Imprisonment in First Article Since Release

The Wall Street Journal reporter investigates the Department for Counterintelligence Operations, the Kremlin agency that orchestrated his arrest and detention.

Evan Gershkovich, freed in August 2024 after 16 months in Russian captivity, has published his first article since his release.
The article examines the Department for Counterintelligence Operations (DKRO), a secretive Kremlin agency central to Vladimir Putin's regime and responsible for Gershkovich's arrest.
Gershkovich identifies Lt. Gen. Dmitry Minaev as the leader of the DKRO, alleging his direct role in targeting Americans and coordinating prisoner exchanges.
The DKRO has been linked to arrests, intimidation, and espionage-related operations within Russia and abroad, including acts of violence and harassment.
Gershkovich was part of a historic prisoner swap involving the U.S., Russia, and Germany, which also secured the release of former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan.