Bronx, NY – Today, Rep. Ritchie Torres (NY-15) in a letter called on Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray and Attorney General Merrick Garland for to make a determination on the national security risk of alleged espionage activity at the Russian Diplomatic Compound located in the Riverdale section of the Bronx. The compound is believed to be home to Russian foreign agents and spies.

“I heard from my constituents and read numerous reports alleging the Russian Diplomatic Compound in the Bronx, New York is a housing Russian espionage operation. We must do everything in our power to protect our nation against Russian spy threats,” said Congressman Ritchie Torres (NY-15) in his letter.“As the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, it is paramount that the U.S. continues to do all it can to protect our homeland. That is why I request your agencies to consider conducting a national security determination into the alleged espionage activity of the Russian Diplomatic Compound in the Bronx .”

This comes at a time when tensions with Russia continue to rise in Ukraine. The war in Ukraine has led to Russia being further isolated on the world stage. Russian spies have been expelled across Europe, reaffirming the need to ensure that the activities at the compound do not pose a national security threat.

“The Russian Diplomatic Compound is strategically sited at the highest point in the Bronx, making it both literally and metaphorically a structure of surveillance,” Rep. Torres said, emphasizing the risk to the community. “The compound is so shrouded in secrecy that the FDNY could not access the property when a fire broke out.”  

Russia remains not just an immediate threat to Ukraine, but to the world as they continue to perpetuate efforts to undermine democracy and the rule of law across the globe. Nowhere is this long-term threat more evident than in the United States. As Russia continues to attack America on all fronts, it is imperative that every level of government do what is necessary to ensure the safety and security of every American. 

See text of the letter here. Exclusive article here.