Putin bans staff from using smartphones amid security fears

Russian President Vladimir Putin has banned staff working close to him from using mobile phones with internet access and tightened security around his inner circle, The Telegraph reported, citing a European intelligence dossier.

The measures were introduced in recent months amid growing fears of a possible assassination attempt or coup, according to the report. Visitors to the Kremlin are now required to pass through two rounds of checks, including screening by the Federal Protective Service.

Staff with direct access to Putin are barred from using smartphones and other internet-connected devices. They are also required to travel only in transport arranged by the Federal Protective Service.

Surveillance systems have also been installed in the homes of some members of Putin’s close support staff, including cooks, bodyguards and photographers, according to reports citing the intelligence document.

The dossier said Putin was particularly concerned about the possible use of drones in an assassination attempt by members of Russia’s political elite.

The report came after another drone attack on Moscow. Media reports said one drone hit a high-rise residential complex in an upscale district of the capital, not far from the Kremlin and the Russian Defence Ministry.