Pro-Russian network uncovered: They were preparing to undermine security in Europe

(Patria) - The Czech intelligence service has uncovered a network funded by Russia that was used to influence EU member states and the European Parliament.

"We have exposed a pro-Russian network that was preparing an operation to spread Russian influence and undermine security in Europe," said Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala.

He stressed that they have therefore added two individuals and one legal entity to the sanctions list.

"Local authorities have seized their assets," Fiala stated.

Czech media, citing intelligence sources, reported that the Voice of Europe portal paid politicians from Germany, France, Poland, Belgium, the Netherlands and Hungary to influence the upcoming European Parliament elections.

According to Czech media, the controversial portal published opinions of politicians who demanded that the EU stop aid to Ukraine.

Some European politicians who cooperated with Voice of Europe received money from Russia for this, and some of them used the funds for their election campaigns for the June European elections.

Among the parties that received money is the German far-right party Alternative for Germany. The German newspaper Spiegel reported that the money was handed over in cash at secret meetings and via the cryptocurrency market.

The propaganda network is allegedly backed by pro-Russian Ukrainian politician Viktor Medvedchuk and his close associate Artem Marchevskyi, who reportedly manages the Voice of Europe portal.

The Czech Republic has also placed the aforementioned men and the portal on its sanctions list.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte described the report on pro-Russian influence on EU policy as concerning and said that the Netherlands will "do what is necessary."

"This is a threat to our democracy, our free elections and freedom of speech," Rutte said in The Hague.