Irish MP Allegedly Recruited by Russian Intelligence During Brexit Talks

The alleged recruitment of an Irish politician by Russian intelligence has sparked concerns about foreign influence in Ireland's political landscape.

A member of the Irish parliament is alleged to have been recruited by Russian intelligence during Brexit negotiations, according to multiple reports.
The operation reportedly aimed to exploit Brexit tensions by establishing contacts with Northern Ireland paramilitary groups.
The politician, identified only by the codename 'Cobalt,' remains in office and has not been charged with any crime.
Irish Taoiseach Simon Harris acknowledged increased Russian intelligence activities in Ireland since the invasion of Ukraine, but declined to comment on specific security matters.
The alleged recruitment involved a 'honeytrap' operation led by expelled Russian diplomat Sergey Prokopiev, highlighting concerns about Ireland's vulnerability to foreign espionage.