5. Federal Security Services (FSB)
Country: Russia
Federal Security Services is the heir to the infamous KGB. Although far less powerful than its predecessor, FSB deserves the spot on the list of the best intelligence agencies in the world in 2017. It is tasked with domestic security, but its responsibilities have been enlarged to include intelligence gathering in CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) countries in 1999 and in 2008, it has been given permission to target individuals engaged in terrorist activities abroad, under the order of the president. In 2013, Federal Border Guard Service, in charge of guarding Russia’s 38,000 miles long borders, became a part of FSB as well. Together with GRU, it has been accused by the United States for meddling in 2016 US presidential election and placed under sanctions.
