Former carabiniere accused of spying for Russia. "The tip of the iceberg"
A 59-year-old former non-commissioned officer of the Carabinieri has been arrested in Rome together with another person, accused of espionage on behalf of Russian secret services. The man allegedly collected classified information from six sources, four of whom were active-duty military personnel.
Former carabiniere accused of spying for Russia. "The tip of the iceberg"
A 59-year-old former non-commissioned officer of the Carabinieri has been arrested in Rome together with another person, accused of espionage on behalf of Russian secret services. The operation is part of an investigation launched in May of last year.
According to Today.it, the two have been accused of spying. They allegedly collected information whose disclosure is prohibited, and also had unauthorised access to computer or telecommunications systems.
Law enforcement officers carried out searches in the premises and computers of five people, who are undergoing similar proceedings for espionage and disclosure of secrets.
The investigation, which began in May of last year, led to the opening of two separate proceedings at the Office of the Public Prosecutor and the Military Prosecutor's Office in Rome. Based on evidence collected, the main suspect was identified.
The man, in addition to having been a non-commissioned officer of the carabinieri in the past, was also an employee of the national intelligence services. He allegedly carried out espionage activities on behalf of a suspected Russian intelligence agent who enjoyed diplomatic immunity on Italian territory.
The 59-year-old allegedly obtained information from six sources, four of whom were active-duty military personnel in high-level positions. The Military Prosecutor's Office also issued search warrants against them. The soldiers are suspected of espionage.
During the investigation, several meetings between the former non-commissioned officer and the suspected foreign agent were documented. For the information transmitted, the 59-year-old allegedly received monetary compensation.
Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto commented on the matter, thanking the judiciary and the services involved. "The Italian State shows everyone what the real attitude of Russia towards us is. What emerges from the evident facts is a daily hybrid conflict, a continuous covert war aimed at weakening our institutions, alliances and security." Crosetto described the case as "the tip of a gigantic iceberg", emphasising that "it is a hybrid war composed of external enemies and internal traitors ready to sell their nation for money, power or personal interests".
Source: Interia