Belpol published an investigation into Belarusian spies under diplomatic cover in Asia, Africa, and America. Who are they? Full list

As a rule, special service officers under diplomatic cover occupy mid-level positions. However, the investigation shows that GRU (military intelligence) agents are capable of rising to the very top of the diplomatic hierarchy.

Embassy of Belarus in Switzerland

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Aliaksandr Darmidontavich Hanevich, born in 1963. Native of Lida, Hrodna Region. Graduated from the Ussuriysk Higher Military Automobile Command School in Russia (1984), as well as the Diplomatic Academy of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diplomatic School of the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

According to his official biography, he joined the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in 1993, but the authors of the investigation draw attention to a nine-year gap in his work activity after graduating from the military school (which also trained intelligence officers and radio operators).

Aliaksandr Hanevich is a military retiree and is registered in Minsk on Rahačoŭskaja Street in a building where mostly military families live. Investigators found that in 1994, a certificate of his citizenship was issued by the personnel department of the Ministry of Defense, although during that period he was supposedly already working in the protocol service of the MFA. According to information from databases, in 2002 and 2008, he was officially listed as a serviceman of military unit 64170 (Foreign Information and Communication Directorate of the GRU General Staff). A note was also found regarding his registration with military unit 51886 (GRU intelligence center in Minsk).

The authors of the investigation conclude that Aliaksandr Hanevich has for many years been a deeply undercover GRU officer, likely with the rank of colonel. He had previously worked under diplomatic cover in Switzerland as an adviser, and has headed the embassy since 2020.

Japan

Another subject of the investigation whose biography raised questions for Belpol experts was Ruslan Alehavich Jesin, born in 1969. From 2017 to 2022, he held the position of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to Japan, as well as to Australia and New Zealand concurrently.

According to official data, Ruslan Jesin was born in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky (Russia). In 1990, he graduated from the Minsk Higher Military-Political Combined Arms School, and in 1993 — from BSEU.

His subsequent career looks atypical for a military university graduate: after a short period of work in the Komsomol, already by the end of 1991, he became an employee of the international cultural relations department of the Belarusian Ministry of Culture. In 1994-1996, Jesin studied at the Diplomatic Academy of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, after which he held various positions in the Belarusian foreign policy department, including heading the MFA trade union organization. Ruslan Jesin also holds a PhD in Political Science.

The authors of the investigation point out discrepancies in Jesin's biography. Firstly, in Soviet times, a military school graduate was obliged to serve in the army, but professional serviceman Ruslan Jesin almost immediately found himself in the Ministry of Culture.

Investigators consider a photograph from the electronic database of the State Automobile Inspectorate (SAI) of the Belarusian Ministry of Internal Affairs to be an important argument. On a driver's license issued in the mid-1990s, Ruslan Jesin is photographed in the uniform of an Armed Forces captain. The authors note that wearing military uniform is prohibited for individuals discharged from the army without the right to a pension. The presence of the rank of captain during the period when Jesin was officially considered an employee of the Ministry of Culture or the MFA, with a high degree of probability, may indicate continued service in a силовых структурах (security agency).

Another point highlighted by the investigators: in 2022, Ruslan Alehavich Jesin rejoined the Communist Party and took a leadership position there. The authors suggest that this could only have happened after his dismissal from military service, as active servicemen in Belarus are prohibited from being part of political organizations.

Given this information, the authors of the investigation suggest that Ruslan Alehavich Jesin is an officer of the GRU (military intelligence). It is not excluded that at the time he headed the MFA's trade union organization, he already held the rank of lieutenant colonel or colonel.

Embassy of Belarus in the United Arab Emirates

Adviser on Security and Administrative-Legal Affairs Leanid Aliaksandravich Holub, born in 1986. Native of Brest, registered in Minsk on Adoyevski Street. In reality, he is a KGB officer. He began his service in the special unit "Alpha" (Group "A"), then was transferred to the foreign intelligence directorate. Under diplomatic cover since 2020. In 2011, he received a cover passport under the name Leanid Aliaksandravich Jemialjanau (Yemilyanov), born in 1986. A fictitious driver's license was also issued to him under these same details. In the same year, he traveled to Ukraine on a special assignment using this passport.

Military Attaché Dzianis Leanardavich Stasevich, born in 1980. Native of Leningrad Oblast, Russia, registered in Minsk on Rafiev Street. Initially served in radio intelligence, then transferred to the GRU. Underwent training at the military-diplomatic faculty of the Military Academy of Belarus. Holds the rank of colonel. Under diplomatic cover since 2018, previously on a spy mission in Syria. His wife (possibly former) Dziana Dzmitryyeuna Chumačova is also a GRU officer and has served there for more than 10 years.

Consulate General of Belarus in Dubai

Consul Siarhei Viktaravich Aliakseyeu, born in 1981. Native of Sverdlovsk Oblast, Russia, registered in Minsk on Arloŭskaja Street. Siarhei Aliakseyeu was a career military officer for several years, and then abruptly became a diplomat in 2013. Investigators suggest that in reality, he is an officer of one of the Belarusian special services.

Embassy of Belarus in Vietnam

Defense Attaché Vadim Yauhenavich Raychonak, born in 1977. Native of Lida, Hrodna Region, registered in Brest on Hvardzeyskaya Street. Former aviation college lecturer, then served at a military air base in Lida. Later transferred to the GRU, where he served in the Brest Intelligence Center. Has been working under diplomatic cover relatively recently.

Second Secretary of the Embassy Aliaksandr Ivanavich Mazhara, born in 1983. Native of Lida, registered in Minsk on Fohel Street. Formally supervises consular issues, culture, education, and protocol events, but is a career military officer. According to Belpol, Mazhara served at the Military Academy, and more than 10 years ago was transferred to the Minsk GRU Intelligence Center. Under diplomatic cover since 2020. In 2015, he received a cover passport under the name Aliaksandr Ivanavich Husakoŭ, born in 1983. A fake driver's license and a mobile phone number were registered under these same details.

Senior Adviser Aleh Aliakseyeŭich Holubyeu, born in 1982. Native of Minsk. Previously worked at the embassy in Poland, where in 2020 he was a member of the election commission. Information about his career is missing from Belarusian information databases. His father is a KGB retiree, and his sister serves in the military counterintelligence directorate of the KGB. On this basis, the authors of the investigation suggest that Aleh Holubyeu also serves in the KGB.

Embassy of Belarus in Israel

Adviser on Administrative and Legal Affairs Artsiom Valeryevich Pierzanau, born in 1979. Native of Brest, registered there on Pryharadnaya Street. Has been a KGB officer for over 20 years. Served in the KGB Directorate for Brest Region, after 2020 was transferred to the Foreign Intelligence Directorate of the KGB Central Apparatus. Has been under diplomatic cover for about three years.

Embassy of Belarus in Indonesia

First Secretary of the Embassy Dzmitry Andreyevich Maslaŭ, born in 1985. Native of Mazyr District, Homiel Region. Responsible for military-technical and economic cooperation. In reality, he is a KGB officer. Has been working under diplomatic cover since 2020, previously on a spy mission in Latvia.

Embassy of Belarus in India

Adviser on Security and Administrative-Legal Affairs Yauhen Mikalayevich Mironaŭ, born in 1977. Native of Vitsebsk, registered there on Frunze Avenue. KGB officer, has been under diplomatic cover since 2020. Has been spying in India for about six years. According to Belpol, in 2015 he received a cover passport under the name Yauhen Mikalayevich Maksimau, born in 1982. Seven mobile phone numbers were registered under these same details. Yauhen Mironaŭ's brother, Uladzimir Mikalayevich Mironaŭ, born in 1986, is also a KGB officer and serves in the central apparatus in Minsk.

First Secretary of the Embassy Aliaksandr Henadzevich Zhytko (Zhitko), born in 1988. Native of Minsk, registered in Kopishcha village, Minsk District. Supervises trade, economic, and investment issues. He is a KGB officer, has been under diplomatic cover in India for about three years.

Embassy of Belarus in the Republic of Korea

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Andrei Mikhailavich Charnetski, born in 1968. Native of Minsk, registered on Hérojaŭ 120-j Divizii Street. Prior to his appointment as ambassador, he served in the KGB from 1997 to 2021, a reserve colonel, and headed a directorate in the central apparatus. Investigators found that Andrei Charnetski was issued his first diplomatic passport back in 2015. In total, during his service, he held three diplomatic passports, which he used to travel to France, Iran, Austria, Poland, Germany, and other countries. The authors of the investigation believe that he continues to work for the KGB today.

Embassy of Belarus in China

Adviser on Security and Administrative-Legal Affairs Aliaksandr Vasilyevich Liabedziantsaŭ (Lebedyantsev), born in 1976. Native of Mahilioŭ, registered on Jakubouski Street. Served in the KGB Directorate for Mahilioŭ Region, then in the Foreign Intelligence Directorate of the KGB central apparatus. Has been spying under diplomatic cover since 2010. Before his appointment to China, he specialized in European countries.

Military Attaché Aliaksandr Ivanavich Shkirenka (Shkirenko), born in 1968. Career military officer, reserve major general. Previously held the position of Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Belarus. According to Belpol, he is not a GRU officer but assists the special services.

Working alongside him is Assistant Military Attaché Pavel Kanstantsinavich Kharkou (Khorkov), born in 1983. Native of Mirny, Arkhangelsk Oblast (Russia), registered in Minsk on Akhostki Lane. Career military officer, started in the automobile troops, then transferred to the GRU. Has been under diplomatic cover in China for about three years. In 2017, he received a cover passport under the name Pavel Kanstantsinavich Yartsaŭ, born in 1983.

Embassy Attaché Viktar Valiantsinavich Obukhaŭ (Obukhov), born in 1987. Native of Primorsky Krai, Russia, registered in Kopishcha village, Minsk District. In reality, he is a cipher officer. Served in the KGB Directorate for Minsk and Minsk Region. Under diplomatic cover for about three years. His brother, Siarhei Valiantsinavich Obukhaŭ, born in 1990, is also a KGB serviceman.

Embassy of Belarus in Pakistan

Second Secretary of the Embassy Maksim Alehavich Kerdzialevich (Kerdelovich), born in 1983. Native of Ussuriysk (Russia), arrived in Belarus in 1993. Until 2005, his surname was Miashkoŭ. In passport databases, two different individuals were listed as his father in different years. Career military officer, served in the GRU for over 10 years, has been under diplomatic cover for the last few years. In 2016, he received a cover passport under the name Maksim Alehavich Shashkoŭ, born in 1984. A fictitious driver's license and three mobile phone numbers were issued to him under these same details.

Third Secretary of the Embassy Dzianis Mikhailavich Siniuta, born in 1988. Native of Dobrush District, Homiel Region. Graduated from the military-transport faculty of the Belarusian State University of Transport in Homiel, where he later worked as a course head. According to Belpol, he recently transitioned from GRU service to diplomatic cover. In 2019, he received a cover passport under the name Dzianis Mikhailavich Siarheika, born in 1987. A fake driver's license was issued to him under this same name.

Embassy of Belarus in Syria

Adviser on Security and Administrative-Legal Affairs Andrei Mikalayevich Bakunovich, born in 1973. Native of Mahilioŭ, registered in Minsk on Nyomanskaya Street. Served in the KGB Directorate for Mahilioŭ Region, in 2007 was transferred to the central apparatus. Has been involved in espionage abroad for about 15 years, specializing in the Arab world. Under diplomatic cover since 2013. According to Belpol, his duties include maintaining official contacts with local security agencies.

Adviser on Trade and Economic Issues Anatol Yuryevich Buhrenka, born in 1979. In reality, he is an experienced GRU officer (serving for over 15 years). Born in Poland to a military family, registered in Minsk on Fohel Street. Has been involved in espionage under diplomatic cover since 2015, previously specializing in EU countries. In 2009, he received a cover passport under the name Anatol Yuryevich Kananchuk (Kononchuk), born in 1979. According to this passport, he traveled to Lithuania and Latvia several times in 2010-2011. Two fake driver's licenses were issued to him under this same name.

Embassy of Belarus in Turkey

Adviser on Security and Administrative-Legal Affairs Ivan Uladzimiravich Sirayeu (Siryayev), born in 1976. Native of Amur Oblast, Russia, registered in Minsk on Paŭliny Miadziolki Street. Served in the KGB Directorate for Hrodna Region, then in the Foreign Intelligence Directorate of the KGB central apparatus. Under diplomatic cover since 2012. Initially specialized in Europe, since 2019 has been in Turkey. In 2010, he received a cover passport under the name Yan Mikalayevich Yaraš (Yarosh), born in 1977.

First Secretary of the Embassy Siarhei Yauhenievich Shynkevich, born in 1987. Native of Hrodna, registered in Ratamka near Minsk. Served in the KGB Directorate for Hrodna Region, then in foreign intelligence. Under diplomatic cover since 2021, the mission in Turkey is his first foreign assignment. In 2015, he received a cover passport under the name Aliaksei Siarheyevich Sharou, born in 1986.

Defense Attaché Viktar Stanislavavich Bielianchuk, born in 1978. Born in Latvia to a military family, registered in Minsk on Skrypnikava Street. Has been a GRU officer for over 15 years. Served in the Hrodna Intelligence Center, then in Minsk. Under diplomatic cover since 2019. In 2009, he received a cover passport under the name Viktar Stanislavavich Bielski, born in 1978.

Adviser on Information-Analytical and Trade-Economic Issues Illia Mikhailavich Kapitan, born in 1986. Native of Brest, graduated from the Linguistic University. Served as an officer in the Border Committee, and in 2015 became a diplomat. Worked at the embassy in France, then was embedded in the Directorate of the European Games in Minsk. The authors of the investigation suggest that Illia Kapitan is a career officer of one of the special services.

Consulate General of Belarus in Istanbul

Consul Ihar Aliaksandravich Salaŭyoŭ. Native of Vologda Oblast, Russia, lived in Orsha. Graduated from an agricultural academy with an economic profile. Served in the KGB Directorate for Vitsebsk Region (in Navapolatsk department and the regional center). Recently became a spy under diplomatic cover.

Embassy of Belarus in Egypt

First Secretary of the Embassy Kiryl Valeryevich Chuprulhin, born in 1993. Native of the urban-type settlement Karma, Homiel Region, registered in Homiel on Mazurau Street. Formally supervises trade, culture, and security issues, and also represents Belarusian interests in Algeria, Oman, and Sudan. Graduated from the Homiel Engineering Institute of the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES). After a short service in the MES, he transferred to the KGB. Has been under diplomatic cover for about three years.

Embassy of Belarus in Zimbabwe

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary (held position until March 2024) Ihar Anatolyevich Maršalaŭ (Marshalov), born in 1972. Formally, he is not a special service officer, but, according to investigators, he has long and closely been connected with them. Former Head of the Department of Financial Investigations of the State Control Committee (SCC), Major General of Financial Police with 30 years of service. The authors of the investigation suggest that in Zimbabwe he might have been involved in facilitating the unofficial economic interests of Lukashenka's inner circle.

Adviser on Security, Political, and Economic Issues Dzmitry Stanislavavich Sakun, born in 1981. Native of Minsk, registered on Shkolnaya Street. Graduated from BSU, was a serviceman of the Border Committee. In 2013, he transitioned to diplomatic work. Investigators draw attention to the closed nature of information about his places of service and do not exclude his direct connection with special services.

Embassy of Belarus in Brazil

Adviser on Security and Administrative-Legal Affairs Siarhei Aliaksandravich Papkovich, born in 1980. Native of Barysaŭ, registered in Minsk on Makayonak Street. Officer of the KGB central apparatus, has been under diplomatic cover since 2017.

Third Secretary of the Embassy Kanstantsin Yuryevich Sniehaŭski (Snegovskoy), born in 1997. Native of Vitsebsk. Graduated from MGIMO in Moscow and immediately began a diplomatic career. Investigators note his deep family ties to the KGB: his father Yury Anatolyevich Sniehaŭski is listed in databases both as an MFA employee and a KGB employee; his uncle Henadz Anatolyevich Sniehaŭski is a KGB colonel, former head of the Babruysk department and deputy head of directorates for Homiel and Mahilioŭ regions. On this basis, Belpol suggests that the young diplomat also acts in the interests of the State Security Committee.

Embassy of Belarus in Venezuela (Caracas)

Embassy Adviser for Trade and Economic Affairs, Investment, and Humanitarian Cooperation (in the recent past) Dzianis Vitalevich Lahunou, born in 1982. Native of Vitsebsk, registered in Minsk on Fohel Street. Career military officer, initially served in the 120th Mechanized Brigade in Uruchcha, then transferred to the GRU. Under diplomatic cover since 2020. In 2014, he received a cover passport under the name Dzianis Uladzimiravich Yanouski, born in 1982. In Latin transliteration, his name was listed as Janowski Dionizy (in Polish), and a fictitious driver's license was issued under these same details. In 2015, he traveled to Poland using this fake passport.

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