Chinese Company Accused of Supplying Satellites to Russian Private Military Group for Intelligence Operations

In a disturbing development, Chinese firm Beijing Yunze Technology Co. Ltd has been accused of selling high-resolution observation satellites to Russia's notorious private military organization, Wagner. The satellites and their subsequent images reportedly have been pivotal in aiding Wagner's intelligence endeavours.

According to documents reviewed by AFP, the satellite registration, which was reportedly executed in November 2022, provided Beijing Yunze Technology Co. Ltd the leverage of selling two top-tier observation satellites. Previously in the possession of Chinese space titan Chang Guang Satellite Technology, they were later purchased by Nika-Frut, which was a part of Wagner’s late commander Yevgeny Prigozhin's extensive business empire.

The disclosed document highlights the magnitude of the consequences of this sale. The satellite imagery played a crucial role in assisting Wagner's operations not only in Ukraine but throughout Africa.

In addition, it is believed that Wagner even ordered satellite images of Russian territory in late May 2023. The chosen images traced the entire route from the Ukrainian border to Moscow, that its forces seized during a sudden mutiny at the end of June.

This daring defiance was suppressed within 24 hours and marked a clear and final rift between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Wagner's late leader Yevgeny Prigozhin. The fallout has already generated uncertainty heading into the future about the mercenary group's operations in Africa, where it had been making significant inroads in countries like Libya, Sudan, Central African Republic, and Mali.