Moscow allegedly brought down Kurz: Telegraph publishes secret documents on Russian spy operation
British Telegraph claims Moscow was involved in the fall of Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz in 2021. Key roles were allegedly played by Russian intelligence officer Roussev and former Wirecard manager Jan Marsalek.
Secret documents link Russia to fall of Austrian Chancellor Kurz
British daily newspaper The Telegraph published claims on Saturday that Moscow was directly involved in the political downfall of former Austrian conservative Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, according to Večernji list. According to Telegraph's claims, documents have been obtained in which Russian intelligence service chief Orlin Roussev claims that he participated in Kurz's removal from his chancellor position in 2021.
Kurz stepped down that year amid accusations of corruption, which he consistently denied, and withdrew from politics. Now, according to the British newspaper, a secret report has suddenly emerged that calls into question the circumstances of his downfall.
Marsalek and Roussev at the centre of allegations
The alleged operation also features former senior manager of payment company Wirecard, Jan Marsalek, who is currently on the run and is suspected of being on the payroll of Russian intelligence. According to Austrian media citing Telegraph, Marsalek was also involved in the "successful overthrow" of Kurz.
Roussev has already been convicted with final sentence for espionage in Great Britain and is currently imprisoned there. During his arrest, British police seized hundreds of thousands of messages. These chats allegedly contain detailed information about operations planned from British soil, and part of this material has been passed on to Austrian authorities.
Austrian media reports extensively
The publication has provoked strong reactions in Austrian media. Kleine Zeitung writes about a "Russian spy chain that allegedly successfully overthrew Sebastian Kurz", and Kurier poses the question of whether Kurz's downfall was "orchestrated by Moscow". The newspaper Heute claims that Moscow "brought down" the former chancellor, while Österreich speaks of "explosive allegations". Der Standard and Kronen Zeitung also report on Telegraph's account, with the latter highlighting the role of Jan Marsalek.
The authenticity of the reported account has not yet been confirmed. If it proves to be true, it would constitute direct interference by Moscow in the political system of a European Union member state, Telegraph emphasises.
British MPs concerned, Kurz without comment
British MPs cited by Telegraph state that they take the alleged accusations "very seriously" and describe them as "worrying", noting that "the Kremlin has long been attempting to destabilise European governments".
Kurz has refused to comment on the British newspaper's report. Sources close to the former chancellor, according to the newspaper Heute, state that he has always believed the accusations against him were politically motivated and that he was shocked by the possibility that they could be connected to Russia.
Austria's Ministry of the Interior also declined to comment. Authorities are reportedly investigating whether an agent from Austrian intelligence has been passing information to Marsalek and the Russian side.
Source: Večernji list