Nicaragua has become a crucial centre for Russian espionage operations in Latin America, according to recent reports. The Kremlin-friendly Central American country ruled by President Daniel Ortega allegedly hosts advanced surveillance systems, including SORM-3 technology, which enables widespread communications interception, Infobae reported.

According to a report from the Jack D. Gordon Institute at Florida International University, Russia has provided sophisticated surveillance technology to several Latin American nations. Douglas Farah, a senior researcher, highlighted that these technologies are essential for maintaining the grip of authoritarian regimes in Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba. Additionally, they may also serve non-state criminal actors that threaten democracy and national security in the United States.

The report identifies three main channels through which Moscow expands its digital influence: direct control of technology on the ground, partnerships masquerading as private collaborations, and companies led by former Soviet intelligence agents. A notable example is Nicaragua's Cerro Mokorón information processing centre, directly supervised by Russian intelligence agencies. Farah advocates for increased awareness and stronger partnerships in cybersecurity among Latin American countries to mitigate this potential threat. 

This expansion of Russian influence in the region mirrors its activities in Mexico, where the Kremlin has intensified its espionage efforts against the US. Reports suggest a significant increase in Russian diplomatic and intelligence personnel in Mexico City, raising alarm in Washington. CIA Director William Burns has confirmed that Mexico serves as a strategic base for Russian intelligence operations, taking advantage of its geographic proximity and neutral stance in global conflicts. Additionally, Russian state media has been active in spreading disinformation in the region, attempting to undermine support for Ukraine.

As seen in Nicaragua, Russian technology plays a critical role in enabling authoritarian governments to suppress dissent. In 2018, the Ortega-Murillo regime effectively used these systems to target student protest leaders during civil unrest, with the subsequent crackdown leaving more than 300 people dead, according to the UN. 

Last month, Ortega's wife and deputy, Rosario Murillo, sent a heartfelt message of solidarity to RT (formerly known as Russia Today) editor-in-chief Margarita Simonyan following the imposition of US sanctions against key figures in Moscow's media apparatus accused of running an elaborate disinformation campaign. In 2023, the Kremlin mouthpiece forged a strategic alliance with Managua, sparking concerns about the growing importance of Russian propaganda in the region.

Russia is rapidly expanding its influence in Latin America alongside China, challenging long-standing US control over "America's backyard" underpinned by the controversial Monroe Doctrine dating back to the XIX century. Beijing, whose state firms are major investors in the region's energy, infrastructure, and space industries. is involved in significant projects like the Chancay mega ship port in Peru, while Russia has recently splurged $980mn on lithium mining in Bolivia.