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CIA creates own Telegram channel aimed at recruiting Russians to spy for US

The intelligence service said it was seeking, in particular, to gather information about "the Russian economy or the country’s senior leadership"

WASHINGTON, May 16. /TASS/. The US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is making an effort to recruit Russians to spy for the United States by posting propaganda videos on Telegram.

CIA operatives have created the agency’s own channel on the popular messaging app in a bid "to reach those who feel compelled to engage" the spy agency, the intelligence service said on Monday in introducing its Telegram channel.

In a Russian-language propaganda video posted on the app, the CIA said it was seeking, in particular, to gather information about "the Russian economy or the country’s senior leadership."

CIA officials confirmed to CNN reporters on Monday that they expect their content and videos on Telegram will help entice Russians to "deliver information that the United States needs."

Last March, the Washington Post reported that the CIA was attempting to recruit employees of the Russian embassy in Washington by means of sending social media ads to smartphones identified as being active on the premises of the diplomatic mission or in its vicinity.

Russian Ambassador the United States Anatoly Antonov later slammed the Washington Post story as an example of "hack-job journalism for-pay.".

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