FLASH
Shkruar nga PamfletiAccording to the investigation documents, the information allegedly passed into Russian hands includes sensitive material on NATO activities, Ukraine's air defenses, Italian missile systems, military drone programs, as well as the identities of dozens of British intelligence operatives.
Italian authorities have uncovered a suspected espionage network in favor of Russia, arresting two people, including a former member of the intelligence services, while five other people are under investigation.
At the center of the case is Gavino Piras, 59, a former Carabinieri officer and former employee of the Italian intelligence services. According to the Rome Prosecutor's Office, he is suspected of receiving money to pass classified information related to Italy and NATO to Moscow.
The investigation, launched in May 2025, alleges that Piras had established a stable channel of communication with Mikhail Astakov, a Russian diplomat in Rome, identified by Italian authorities as an officer of Russian military intelligence (GRU). Due to his diplomatic status, Astakov enjoys immunity in Italy.
According to investigators, the former Italian agent obtained secret information from several sources, including four Italian military personnel still in active service. He is accused not only of transmitting protected information, but also of unauthorized access to computer systems and telecommunications networks.
Investigations have revealed that contacts between the suspects were carried out using traditional espionage methods. Meetings were organised in various locations in Rome, where documents and handwritten notes were exchanged. According to Italian media, they also used hidden telephones and, in some cases, placed electronic devices in microwave ovens to prevent electronic eavesdropping.
Wiretaps released by investigators show that Piras was unhappy with the amount he was receiving for the information he provided. He complained that the payments of around 4,000 euros for each submission were too low and demanded more money from the Russian officer, claiming that he should also pay the sources who provided the documents.
According to the investigation documents, the information allegedly leaked to Russia includes sensitive material on NATO activities, Ukraine's air defenses, Italian missile systems, military drone programs, and the identities of dozens of British intelligence operatives. Investigators are also verifying whether other documents from allied countries were compromised.
Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto described the case as proof of how Russia conducts hybrid warfare against Western countries.
"This hybrid war is just the tip of a giant iceberg, involving external enemies and internal traitors, willing to sell their country for money, power or personal gain ," he declared.
According to Crosetto, the investigation helps to understand Russia's attitude towards Italy, which has provided military and civilian assistance to Kiev since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The case brings to light another espionage scandal. In 2021, Italian Navy captain Walter Biot was arrested after being caught handing classified documents to a Russian embassy employee in a parking lot in Rome. He was later sentenced to nearly 30 years in prison.
Investigations into the new suspected espionage network continue, as Italian authorities try to determine the extent of the damage caused and whether the information transmitted compromised NATO and allied operations or personnel.
Italy expels two Russian embassy officials for espionage
Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, announced on Thursday that Italy has decided to expel two Russian Embassy officials for espionage activity.
The decision comes after two former Italian intelligence officers were arrested this week on suspicion of spying for Russia.
"The Italian government has decided to expel two military attaches of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Italy, who are responsible for the espionage activities revealed by the investigation of the Rome Prosecutor's Office," Tajani wrote on the X platform.
"The Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has just informed the Russian Ambassador in Rome that Ivan Petrovich Gorbachev and Mikhail Vasilyevich Astakhov must leave Rome within three days.
Moscow continues to use its hybrid weapons to attack the West and Italy.
"This constitutes a serious and unacceptable interference with Italian institutions and national security," he added.
On the other hand, the Russian state news agency RIA Novosti reported that the Russian Foreign Ministry has stated that Moscow "will respond" to Italy's decision to expel two military attaches.
Lini një Përgjigje