Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, two former KGB operatives from Leningrad maintained their infiltration of dissident circles and youth subcultures, employing coercive tactics like blackmail and sexual violence to recruit members, according to a Project investigation report.
One identified operative is Vladimir Gushchin, who, during the 1980s and 1990s, allegedly carried out state-sponsored programs aimed at reforming nonconformist youth while surveilling opposition groups. Post-USSR, Gushchin transitioned to working with at-risk adolescents, including subculture members, through St. Petersburg’s "Contact" center under the Mayor’s Youth Affairs Committee. Documents and former staff reveal he funneled gathered intelligence to the FSB and counter-extremism units.
His colleague at the center, Sergei Barkan, similarly shared collected data with security agencies, sources disclosed. However, the report does not confirm whether Barkan had prior KGB ties before the Soviet collapse.