Argentina's government has uncovered a Russian influence operation targeting the country through disinformation campaigns and political infiltration, presidential spokesman Manuel Adorni announced.

The State Intelligence Secretariat (SIDE) investigation identified a Russian entity called "The Company," which allegedly aims to "form a group of individuals loyal to Russian interests to develop disinformation and influence campaigns against the Argentine state," Adorni revealed at a press conference, as reported by EFE.

The alleged Russian agents’ operation reportedly involves creating and disseminating social media content, influencing local NGOs, and gathering political intelligence. SIDE investigators linked the organisation to the "Lahkta Project," led by the late Russian oligarch Yevgeniy Prigozhin, founder of the Wagner Group mercenary company.

Argentine authorities identified Lev Konstantinovich Andriashvili as the operation's leader, a Russian national residing in Argentina, accused of receiving financing and fostering relationships with local collaborators. His wife, Irina Iakovenko, also living in Argentina, was named in the investigation.

The spokesman declared that Argentina will not submit to "the influence of any other nation" and that "the security of Argentines is not a secondary issue."

This revelation comes as President Javier Milei has strengthened ties with Western allies, particularly the United States, while distancing Argentina from authoritarian regimes. The libertarian leader has also declared his support for Israel in its ongoing conflict with Iran. Still, the uncovering of this alleged Russian influence network could complicate Argentina's diplomatic relationships and may prompt broader security reviews of foreign operations within the country, potentially affecting Milei's plans to position Argentina as a reliable partner in regional security matters.

The current investigation builds on previous concerns about Russian interference in Argentina. Last year, the US State Department issued allegations that the Kremlin-sponsored network RT was conducting "destabilising actions" globally, specifically claiming the Russian media was engaged in efforts to undermine Milei's government and foment tensions with neighbouring nations. Former US Secretary of State Antony Blinken described RT as a "de facto arm of Russia's intelligence apparatus," with the allegations believed to be linked to Milei's support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. 

Argentina's discovery follows a similar counterintelligence breakthrough in neighbouring Brazil, where federal agents recently exposed a sophisticated Russian spy network that used the country as an "assembly line for deep-cover operatives." The Brazilian operation, dubbed "Operation East," unmasked at least nine undercover officers members of Russia's military intelligence apparatus (GRU) who had lived for years under false identities before deploying to targets across the West. The exposure of both networks reveals Moscow's systematic approach to infiltrating South American nations and illustrates the increasing coordination among regional intelligence services to counter Russian espionage activities.