MI6 sets up new dark web portal to recruit Russian spies

Britain’s foreign intelligence service, MI6, is launching a new online portal called Silent Courier, aimed at using the dark web to entice potential spies to send it secrets, particularly targeting Russia.

1news.media reports, citing CNN, the service will rely on the Tor internet browser, which will allow anonymous access to a secure MI6 messaging platform. Instructions for using Silent Courier will be given on MI6’s new YouTube channel at 10am Baku Time Friday.

UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the UK was “bolstering their efforts with cutting-edge tech so MI6 can recruit new spies for the UK - in Russia and around the world.”

The service will require users to take significant precautions of their own to safely use it. A press release announcing the launch from the UK Foreign Office, which handles MI6’s communications, said: “MI6 advises individuals accessing its portal to use trustworthy VPNs and devices not linked to themselves, to mitigate risks which exist in some countries.”