Russian citizens seeking to join the Federal Security Service (FSB) will have to disclose overdue debt and any marriages to foreigners within their family, the independent television channel Dozhd reported Thursday.
The FSB is seeking to curb foreign interference in its operations and within its network.
“Recently, foreign intelligence services have strengthened their operations through penetration of the FSB in Russia. This increases corruption and risks for employees,” Dozhd reported, citing an explanatory note accompanying the measures.
According to the order, all FSB candidates will be required to make known any marriages within close family to foreigners, stateless persons or Russian citizens living abroad.
In addition, those hoping to enter into service will now be required to disclose any debt exceeding 500,000 rubles ($7,800) if the debt is not paid within three months. An explanation will be required by the FSB.
The change protects employees from foreign recruitment in the event that the FSB goes bankrupt. By requiring candidates to supply their personal information, the FSB aims to prevent such information from being made public, Dozhd reported.
The new order is in agreement with a law passed in October 2015, which declared that anyone unable to pay debt exceeding 500,000 rubles within three months can declare bankruptcy.
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