A recent report by Spanish journalists has shed new light on the long-standing espionage activities of Paweł Rubcow, also known by his alias Pablo González. The Russian agent had been working for the Russian military intelligence agency GRU for at least 15 years, using his position as a journalist to facilitate covert operations across Europe.
One of the most surprising revelations comes from a 2017 document in which Rubcow requested a salary raise. At the time, he was earning €3,100 a month but expressed dissatisfaction that his wage had not increased since 2010. He sought an increase to €4,300, citing high inflation. Despite his discontent over salary, Rubcow continued his espionage activities, hiding in plain sight under the guise of journalism.
Rubcow, who was arrested by Polish authorities in 2022, played a key role in Russian intelligence operations, particularly in identifying targets of interest for the Kremlin. His ability to operate in the shadows, without relying on embassy support, allowed him to act as an illegal agent—spies who operate without formal diplomatic cover.
A major prisoner exchange between Russia and the West in Ankara on August 1, 2023, secured his release, drawing further attention to his covert work. His background reveals a dual identity: born in Moscow but raised in Spain after his parents’ divorce, Rubcow, under the name Pablo González, blended into European society. His fluency in Spanish and Russian, alongside his education in Slavic languages and journalism, enabled him to seamlessly navigate between the two cultures and further his career as a covert operative.