Yes, the words they always use are embassy personnel conducting "non-diplomatic activities" https://twitter.com/AFP/status/1498392471851741202 https://twitter.

Yes, the words they always use are embassy personnel conducting "non-diplomatic activities" https://twitter.com/AFP/status/1498392471851741202 https://twitter.com/AFP/status/1498392471851741202 The spy world isn't opaque. Each country knows who most of the spies are. They generally operate out of special sections of the primary embassy in each country. Almost all spies act under diplomatic cover so that they have immunity when they get caught. Operating without that cover is a risky mission which normally means your host country can't save you and will deny you. Each country just allows the spies to pretty much go about their business, follows them from the embassy when they can, and then uses them as pawns when necessary, like this.