Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) has accused Western and Ukrainian intelligence agencies of preparing a large-scale information operation against Russia in Latin America.

According to the SVR, the alleged plan is designed to portray Moscow as an illegal supplier of weapons to drug cartels and other organized criminal groups in Venezuela, Colombia and Mexico.

The Russian intelligence service claims that Russian-made weapons previously captured by the opposing side during the special military operation in Ukraine are already being transferred to the Latin American region for use in the operation.

The SVR also alleges that Western and Ukrainian intelligence agencies are preparing fabricated audio and video materials intended to create the impression that Russia is supplying weapons to representatives of Latin American countries through intermediaries.

According to the agency, the materials are expected to be supported by forged documents purporting to show the involvement of members of the Russian Armed Forces in the alleged scheme.

The SVR said the operation is intended to influence regional governments and push them toward a tougher stance against Russia.

At the same time, Russian intelligence officials questioned whether the alleged campaign would achieve its goal. The SVR argued that its organizers would instead demonstrate both a lack of moral restraints and a reliance on predictable methods.