RUSSIA'S INTELLIGENCE SERVICES: The Russian Federation includes numerous intelligence agencies, at least as many as the former USSR had. These include:


@ Federal Security Service (FSB), 76,000 personnel. This agency is tasked with internal security and counter-espionage. Once a part of the KGB, this is equivalent to the FBI. The director is Nikolai Patrushev. The Federal Security Service has the right under Russian law to read all Email passing through Russia.

@ Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), 12,000 personnel. This agency is responsible for conducting espionage operations overseas. Once one of the KGB's five directorates, this agency is equivalent to the CIA. The Director is Vyacheslav Trubnikov.


@ Federal Communications & Information Agency (FAPSI), 54,000 personnel. This agency is responsible for electronic espionage and security. It is the direct equivalent of the National Security Agency. The Director-General is Viktor Matyukhin.


@ Federal Protection Service (FSO), 23,000 personnel. This agency is responsible for the protection of key government personnel and facilities. The closest US equivalent is the much smaller Secret Service. The head of this agency is Yuri Krapivin.


@ Main Intelligence Directorate of the Defense Ministry (GRU), 12,000 personnel. This branch of the military is charged with military intelligence. The GRU is commanded by Colonel-General Valentin Korabelnikov.


@ The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD), the Tax Police (NP), and the Federal Border Service each have their own intelligence missions and branches.--Stephen V Cole