Russia Uses GRU to Expand Influence in Madagascar
Russian military intelligence officers, including General Andrey Averyanov, are reportedly involved in advancing Russia's interests in Madagascar, leveraging the country's strategic location in the Indian Ocean and using a cryptocurrency network called A7 to bypass Western sanctions.
Consensus
- General Andrey Averyanov of the GRU was awarded the Order of Merit of the Republic of Congo in October of the previous year.
- Three other Russians received the same award alongside Averyanov.
- Two of the three other Russians were identified as GRU officers.
- These individuals are currently involved in promoting Russia's interests in Madagascar.
- Madagascar's strategic location provides access to the western part of the Indian Ocean and major global shipping routes.
- Russian intelligence activities in Africa may use the A7 cryptocurrency network.
- The A7 network was created by Russia and fugitive Moldovan oligarch Ilan Shor to circumvent Western sanctions.
Coverage (4 sources)
- How Russia with the help of GRU is mastering Madagascar — Idel.Реалии
- How Russia with the help of GRU is mastering Madagascar — Север.Реалии
- How Russia with the help of GRU is mastering Madagascar — Радио Свобода
- How Russia with the help of GRU is mastering Madagascar — Настоящее Время