Anti-espionage operation in Italy: Two alleged agents working for Moscow arrested
Italian law enforcement has captured two individuals, including a former intelligence officer, believed to be responsible for passing classified information to a representative of Russia's intelligence services.
Anti-espionage operation in Italy: Two alleged agents working for Moscow arrested
Italian law enforcement has arrested two individuals accused of collecting and delivering classified documents to representatives of the Kremlin. One of the two is a former operator of the State's intelligence services, now retired, who allegedly acted as the main channel for passing information.
According to reports by România Liberă, the man, 59 years old, allegedly created a network of contacts comprised of six sources. Four of these were active-duty military personnel, employed in roles that provided access to highly confidential material. The data collected would then have been delivered to a Russian diplomat, believed to be an officer of Moscow's intelligence services, who enjoys diplomatic immunity in Italy.
Investigators believe the former agent had established a paid relationship: he would have received money in exchange for the documents transmitted. Defence Minister Guido Crosetto praised the Carabinieri for the investigation, describing it as complex and sensitive. He further stressed that there can be no tolerance towards those who put national security at risk, especially if they have held positions of responsibility.
No information has been disclosed regarding the second person arrested.
Source: Romania Libera