The report suggests that both countries have developed a new model targeting minors via platforms such as Telegram, TikTok, Snapchat and Discord, as well as through videogames. Young users are initially approached in familiar digital environments, where they are gradually drawn into activities ranging from information gathering to vandalism and sabotage.
Recruiters reportedly offer payments, often in cryptocurrencies, for what are presented as simple tasks, such as taking photographs or collecting information. These activities may escalate over time into more serious actions, including arson, acts of sabotage and even the construction of explosive devices.
One case highlighted involved a 17-year-old student in the Netherlands who was arrested after allegedly being recruited by Russian agents via Telegram to gather intelligence on government facilities in The Hague.
A ‘game-like’ recruitment model
In Ukraine, officials say many teenagers have been identified through the online game World of Tanks before communication is moved to more secure platforms. Security sources describe the process as resembling ‘Pokémon Go with air defence systems’.
Ukrainian intelligence services report that 21% of those arrested in 2025 for collaborating with Russia were teenagers. In some cases, they were used to photograph military targets, which were later struck in Russian attacks.
Experts say minors are particularly vulnerable targets, as they tend to be more impulsive, less suspicious and cheaper to recruit. Their involvement also carries lower political risk for those directing operations.
The Financial Times has identified similar cases in Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, where minors face accusations of arson, vandalism and surveillance on behalf of foreign actors.
In the UK, counterterrorism authorities say around 20% of those arrested in related cases are aged 17 or younger. Security officials describe what they call a ‘parallel reality,’ in which teenagers move from online environments into real-world acts of sabotage.
Iran using similar tactics
Iran is reported to be using similar methods. In Israel, a 14-year-old was charged with working with Iranian operatives after allegedly filming military installations and missile damage in exchange for cryptocurrency payments.
Israeli authorities have warned that minors are being approached via Facebook, Telegram, Instagram and TikTok to carry out assignments involving information gathering and vandalism.
Europol warning
Europol now considers the recruitment of minors one of the fastest-growing security threats in Europe. Officials note that criminal organisations, terrorist networks and state intelligence services are all targeting the same online spaces where millions of young people spend time each day.
According to European security services, a key challenge is that many parents still believe their children are simply playing games or chatting with friends, without realising that these platforms have become operational environments for foreign intelligence activities and hybrid warfare networks.
Source: huffingtonpost.gr
