Japan Vows Tougher Counterespionage After Report Ties It to Russian Spy Network

Government says issue must be handled with 'even greater rigour' following New York Times investigation

Japan said Tuesday it recognizes the need to strengthen its defenses against foreign intelligence operations, after a New York Times investigation reported that Russia has turned the country into what the newspaper called a "den of spies," the Guardian reported.

A Japanese government spokesman said the issue must be addressed with "even greater rigour."

The Times investigation, published Sunday, found that Moscow has exploited Japan's "weak espionage laws" to make the country a key hub for intelligence gathering and for procuring dual-use technology needed for Russia's war in Ukraine, according to the Guardian's account of the report.

The findings have put fresh pressure on Tokyo to close legal gaps that have long limited its ability to prosecute espionage cases.

— Compiled from reporting by the Guardian.