Two men arrested in Italy for espionage on behalf of Russia
Italian police have arrested two men, including a former intelligence service agent, accused of transmitting classified information to a Russian intelligence service official.
Two men arrested in Italy for espionage on behalf of Russia
Italian police have arrested two men accused of espionage on behalf of Russia. Among those detained is a 59-year-old former agent, previously active within the Italian intelligence community.
According to reporting by 15min.lt, the former agent allegedly maintained contacts with a suspected Russian intelligence service official who operated in Italian territory whilst enjoying diplomatic immunity. The man allegedly received and disclosed sensitive information through six sources, including four military personnel in service assigned to highly classified duties.
The authorities contend that the former agent handed over the data in exchange for money. Defence Minister Guido Crosetto thanked the carabinieri for the investigation, describing it as complex and delicate. In his statement he emphasised that there can be no tolerance for those who put the security of the republic at risk, especially when it concerns people holding positions of responsibility.
No detailed information on the identity of the second arrested person has been provided.
Source: 15min