The FSB is behind sustained and unsuccessful attempts to interfere in political processes in the United Kingdom. According to a statement from the British government, the targets of interference include politicians, government officials, journalists, non-governmental organizations, and other civil society organizations.
In response to this, the UK's Foreign Office has imposed sanctions on individuals involved in the group's activities and summoned the Russian ambassador.
"On December 7, the United Kingdom and its allies exposed a series of attempts by Russian intelligence services to target high-profile individuals and organizations through cyber operations. The government believes this was done with the aim of using the obtained information to interfere in politics and democratic processes in the United Kingdom," the statement said.
In the British government's view, the 18th Center, a unit of the Russian FSB, has been identified as responsible for a series of cyber espionage operations conducted by the Star Blizzard group. According to the National Cyber Security Centre of the UK (NCSC) assessment, this group is almost certainly subordinate to the FSB.
While some attacks resulted in document leaks, attempts to interfere in the politics and democracy of the United Kingdom were not successful, the statement adds.
After an investigation by the National Crime Agency, the UK has imposed sanctions today on two members of Star Blizzard for their involvement in preparing phishing campaigns and related activities that led to unauthorized access, theft of confidential data, and aimed at undermining British organizations.
The Russian side has not commented on this statement by Britain at present.
