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Beyond overt surveillance, Russia has embedded itself deeply into Norwegian society through sophisticated covert operations. One notable case involved Mikhail Mikushin, who posed as a Brazilian researcher named Jose Assis Giammaria while working at a university in Tromsø. His real purpose was espionage—gathering Arctic security intelligence on behalf of Russia’s intelligence agencies. Mikushin's arrest in 2022 marked a significant breakthrough, and he was later exchanged in a high-profile prison swap in 2024. Upon his return to Russia, he was personally greeted by President Vladimir Putin, highlighting the importance of these covert operatives for Moscow.