Summary
Egisto Ott, a former intelligence officer in Austria, is on trial for allegedly spying for Russia. He is accused of giving personal and secret data to Russian intelligence and Jan Marsalek, a fugitive executive. The charges have sparked concerns about Russian espionage activities in Austria.
Key Facts
- Egisto Ott, 63, is a former Austrian intelligence officer accused of spying for Russia.
- Ott is charged with passing data to Russian intelligence and Jan Marsalek between 2015 and 2020.
- Jan Marsalek is a fugitive wanted for alleged fraud related to the collapse of Wirecard.
- Marsalek is thought to have fled from Austria to Moscow in 2020.
- Ott allegedly gathered large amounts of personal data using police databases without permission.
- Prosecutors say Ott tried to obtain a secure laptop for Russian intelligence in 2022.
- If found guilty, Ott faces up to five years in prison for abuse of authority and espionage.
- An Austrian former MP, Thomas Schellenbacher, is separately charged with helping Marsalek escape to Belarus.
