Foreign Intelligence Service (Russia) - Legal Authority

Legal Authority

The "Law on Foreign Intelligence" was written by SVR leadership itself and adopted in August 1992. This Law provided conditions for "penetration by chekists of all levels of the government and economy", since it stipulated that "career personnel may occupy positions in ministries, departments, establishments, enterprises and organizations in accordance with the requirements of this law without compromising their association with foreign intelligence agencies."

A new "Law on Foreign Intelligence Organs" was passed by the State Duma and the Federation Council in late 1995 and signed into effect by then-President Boris Yeltsin on 10 January 1996. The law authorizes the SVR to carry out the following:

1. Conduct intelligence;
2. Implement active measures to ensure Russia's security;
3. Conduct military, strategic, economic, scientific and technological espionage;
4. Protect employees of Russian institutions overseas and their families;
5. Provide personal security for Russian government officials and their families;
6. Conduct joint operations with foreign security services;
7. Conduct electronic surveillance in foreign countries.

The Russian Federation President (currently Vladimir Putin) can personally issue any secret orders for the SVR, without asking the houses of the Federal Assembly: State Duma and Federation Council.