Despite backing Ukraine and enforcing sanctions against Russia, Japan has reportedly become one of the most important hubs for Russian intelligence operations and the procurement of restricted technology for Vladimir Putin’s military, according to a major investigation by The New York Times.
The investigation alleges that Russia’s military intelligence agency (GRU) coordinates from Tokyo the purchase and smuggling of advanced electronic components, machinery, and other restricted equipment that ultimately ends up in Russian missiles, drones, and weapons used in the war against Ukraine.
Western intelligence sources cited by the newspaper say the operation is centered around a previously undisclosed secret GRU unit known as the 20th Directorate.
Russian intelligence agents relocated to Japan
Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Western countries expelled hundreds of Russian diplomats and intelligence officers while imposing sweeping sanctions on Kremlin-linked entities.
According to current and former Western intelligence officials, many of those operatives subsequently relocated to Japan, where comparatively less restrictive espionage laws and a highly developed technology sector have made the country an attractive base for acquiring restricted goods.
Ukrainian authorities estimate that up to 90% of Russian missiles and drones contain components manufactured in Japan.
Operation allegedly run from Aeroflot office
The investigation identifies Maksim Vladimirovich Filchenkov, a GRU officer officially employed as an Aeroflot representative in Tokyo, as the alleged coordinator of the network.
Western intelligence services claim Filchenkov oversees the procurement of sensitive technology from Aeroflot’s office in central Tokyo before it is routed to Russia through intermediary countries.
The New York Times reported that its journalists attempted to interview Filchenkov on three separate occasions, but he declined to comment and did not respond to emails or Telegram messages.
Japanese components found in Russian missiles
According to the investigation, evidence of the network has appeared on the battlefield in Ukraine.
After a Russian Kh-101 missile struck a residential building in Kyiv, killing at least 24 people, Ukrainian investigators reportedly recovered Japanese-made electronic components used in the missile’s guidance system.
Ukrainian authorities maintain that these components fall under export restrictions prohibiting their shipment to Russia.
Smuggling through third countries
The report states that the Russian network avoids direct shipments to Russia by routing goods through countries including Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and Uzbekistan.
A Japanese logistics company, Proco Air, allegedly plays a key role in this supply chain, promoting itself as a “bridge between Japan and Russia.”
Its owner, Takehiko Miki, acknowledged knowing Filchenkov since 2018 but denied being aware of any intelligence affiliation. He also rejected allegations that his company transported restricted goods to Russia.
However, documents reviewed by The New York Times indicate that Proco Air has worked with the Russian company R-Pharm, whose founder, Alexey Repik, is regarded as a close ally of President Vladimir Putin and is under sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.
Ukraine repeatedly warned Japan
Kyiv has repeatedly alerted Japanese authorities that Japanese technology has been identified in Russian weapons.
In April 2025 alone, Ukraine reportedly sent at least eight diplomatic notes to Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs containing evidence of Japanese-made components recovered from Russian missiles and other military equipment.
The documents reference products manufactured by NEC, Panasonic, and Toshiba. However, the investigation states that no evidence has been found indicating that these companies knowingly supplied products to Russia. All three companies denied violating sanctions and said they comply with Japanese export control laws.
Tokyo acknowledges the threat
Japanese officials have acknowledged that the country faces a serious espionage challenge.
“We are fully aware of the seriousness of this situation,” said Akihisa Shiozaki, a member of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party and a former prosecutor specializing in industrial espionage cases.
Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs declined to comment directly on the investigation’s allegations but stated that Tokyo is working closely with its Western allies to prevent the export of military-related technology to Russia.
Nevertheless, according to The New York Times, Western intelligence agencies believe Russian operatives continue to operate freely in Tokyo, exploiting weaknesses in Japan’s legal framework and complex international logistics networks to obtain technology that supports Russia’s military industry and its ongoing war against Ukraine.
