Over the past few months, Russia has been collecting intelligence with the aim of committing sabotage acts against critical infrastructure in the Dutch North Sea.

The information came from General Jan Swillens, Director General of the Dutch Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD), at a press conference Monday, as reported by Reuters.

A Russian vessel was localized in close proximity of a Dutch offshore wind farm, according to the general. The vessel was subsequently escorted out of North Sea waters by the Dutch fleet and coast guard before committing any sabotage activities.

”We saw in recent months Russian actors tried to uncover how the energy system works in the North Sea. It is the first time we have seen this,” notes Swillens:

”Russia is mapping how our wind parks in the North Sea function. They are very interested in how they could sabotage the energy infrastructure.”

Together with the Dutch General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD), MIVD released a report in which Russia is accused of being responsible for ”sabotage activities” against critical offshore infrastructure such as internet cables, gas pipelines and wind farms.

”Russia is secretly charting this infrastructure and is undertaking activities which indicate preparations for disruption and sabotage,” the report states.

It is yet unclear whether Russia has successfully conducted any sabotage.

Russia has also been accused of detonating explosions that hit crucial gas pipelines Nord Stream 1 and 2, which span the Baltic Sea from Russia to Germany. The explosions took place near the Danish island of Bornholm on Sep. 26 of last year.

Several nations are investigating the cause of the leaks. Earlier in February, German investigators reported that there was no evidence of Russia being responsible for the explosions.

At the same time, Russia has dismissed such accusations.

The Netherlands fears that Russia could pose a threat to water and energy supplies.

On Saturday, the Netherlands ordered the expulsion of an undisclosed number of Russian diplomats, alleging that Russia is bringing in spies disguised as diplomats.