Austria expels three Russian embassy staff on suspicion of spying
Summary
Austria has expelled three Russian embassy staff after finding that multiple antennas on the embassy were used for spying. The Austrian government said spying is a problem and plans to change its laws to better stop espionage activities targeting international organizations in Vienna.Key Facts
- Austria expelled three Russian diplomats suspected of spying using antennas on the embassy building.
- The expelled diplomats are part of a total of 14 Russian staff sent home since 2020.
- The Russian embassy called the expulsions unfair and promised to respond strongly.
- Equipment on the embassy roofs was reportedly used to steal satellite internet data from international organizations in Vienna.
- Vienna hosts many international groups including OPEC, the International Atomic Energy Agency, and the OSCE.
- Austria’s current law has a loophole that limits action against spies unless Austria itself is directly targeted.
- Vienna is known as a key center for spying in Europe, with many diplomats suspected of being secret agents.
- Austria plans to pass new laws making spying against the EU and Vienna-based organizations illegal.
- The crackdown followed a major spy case involving a former Austrian counter-espionage officer accused of aiding Russian intelligence.
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