Paraguay has tightened immigration controls and cooperation with international agencies following the exposure in Argentina of an alleged influence network that sought to manipulate public opinion through media outlets and digital operators. The network, called "La Compañía," is believed to be linked to Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service and allegedly financed the publication of content in Argentine outlets, using journalists and contributors with unclear or false identities. The operation reportedly took place in 2024 and targeted the government of Argentine President Javier Milei.
According to journalist Christian Martin, GEN's correspondent in Europe, the operation was allegedly run from La Paz, Bolivia, and distributed pro-Russia, pro-Iran, and pro-Venezuela content, paying between USD 2,000 and USD 2,500 per article or story in major outlets. Martin noted that although Paraguay is a small market, its geographic location and the relative ease of entry make the country vulnerable to this type of operation.
In response, Paraguay's National Director of Migration, Jorge Kronawetter, explained that the main requirement for foreigners wishing to reside in the country is the presentation of a criminal background check from their country of origin or the last country where they have resided in the past three years. Additionally, data is cross-checked with Interpol to identify any outstanding international arrest warrants or active alerts. Kronawetter added that there are specific profiles requiring additional controls, which are part of intelligence work that cannot be disclosed for security reasons.
Kronawetter mentioned an increase in the entry of Russian and Ukrainian citizens since 2024, a consequence of the armed conflict between these countries. He said Paraguay has been taking concrete actions in cooperation with national and international agencies to define risk profiles and cross-reference information on migrants who may fit these profiles, achieving positive results in prevention. The sources consulted did not confirm, however, whether any Russian nationals or suspicious individuals were actually identified or turned away at the border.
Beyond controls, the figures point to a significant growth in foreigners' interest in residing in Paraguay. In 2025, 47,687 residency applications were filed, an increase of over 63% compared to the previous year, and 40,600 residencies were granted, a growth of more than 42%. The reasons for choosing Paraguay range from investment, work, and study opportunities to economic stability, cost of living, and fewer restrictions compared to other countries.
Brazil leads the list of countries with the highest number of residency applications in Paraguay, followed by Argentina and Germany. Other countries with a significant presence include Bolivia, Spain, Venezuela, the Netherlands, the United States, Russia, and France. Most foreigners initially opt for temporary residency, valid for two years, during which they assess whether the country meets their expectations before applying for permanent residency.
Although criminal background checks and immigration controls are essential tools for filtering the entry of foreigners, cases such as the influence network in Argentina show that some modern threats may not be detected by these means, as concerning activities may emerge after entry into the country.