Vladimir Putin 'intends to resurrect KGB' in time for next presidential election
New service gives would officers full powers to prosecute critics of Russian government
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Vladimir Putin intends to essentially resurrect the Soviet KGB service under a new guise as part of major changes to the federal police system before the next presidential election in Russia, according to reports.
The proposed Ministry of State Security (MGB) service, would be handed powers once held by the KGB (Committee for State Security) including the prosecution of government critics.
The MGB would consolidate both domestic and foreign intelligence operations as well as giving officers authority to conduct criminal investigations.
Mr Putin, who served as a KGB officer in East Germany for 15 years during the Cold War, hopes to implement the MGB before the election in 2018, according to Russian newspaper Kommersant.
The KGB service was split into various smaller agencies in 1991 following the collapse of the Soviet Union. The resurrection of the name MGB , as it was the acronym was once used to denote the state security service during the rule of former leader Josef Stalin.
Mark Galeotti, a senior research fellow at the Institute of International Relations in Prague, told Radio Free Europe: “Essentially, this is a case of bringing the band back together. The suggestion is that a presidential security service will remain outside it. But basically speaking, this ministry would reconstitute the KGB in all its aspects.”
However, sources believe the Kremlin could run into difficulties in trying to find the money for the new grouped agency, including paying compensation to government employees who do not wish to be involved in the renewed programme.
Recent parliament elections in Russia were hit by allegations of vote rigging after an official was filmed stuffing papers into a ballot box, as Mr Putin’s party strengthened its grip on the Duma amid a historically low voter turn-out.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments