Russian espionage intensifies: Italy's security for sale?
Russia is conducting intensive espionage activities against Italy, using submarines and drones. It has emerged that Italian entrepreneurs themselves provided Russians with maps of areas without surveillance cameras, for which they were paid in cryptocurrency. "Il Messaggero" reveals the details.
What do you need to know?
- Russia is conducting a "shadow war" against Italy, employing submarines, frigates, and merchant ships for espionage via air and sea.
- A Russian-made drone flew over the EU research centre in Ispra five times, raising suspicions of espionage and prompting the Milan prosecutor's office to start an investigation.
- Italian entrepreneurs provided Russians with maps of areas without surveillance cameras, receiving payment in cryptocurrency.
Did Italian entrepreneurs "sell" security?
In November last year, an investigation was launched against two entrepreneurs from Lombardy who provided Russians with maps of areas in Rome and Milan where there are no surveillance cameras.
The maps highlighted state buildings and military facilities. The entrepreneurs received payment in cryptocurrency.
"Il Messaggero" reports that since then, Russia has intensified its espionage activities in Italy, confirmed by numerous signals from various sources. Recently, for example, a foreign drone was observed flying over the EU research centre in Ispra. The Italian prosecutor's office for combating terrorism has launched an investigation into this matter.
Russians spying on Italians
Russian espionage activities have serious consequences for Italy. Pro-Russian hackers have repeatedly attacked websites of Italian ministries and strategic enterprises.
"Il Messaggero" emphasises that Italy is under constant observation by Russia. It also mentions the presence of the Russian submarine "Krasnodar" between Algeria and Sardinia, which caused consternation.
In December 2022, the Russian ship "Academic Pashin" docked in the Strait of Otranto. In response, Italy scrambled aircraft from bases in Sicily and Sardinia to monitor the vessel's movements.
The Russian fleet is active in the Mediterranean Sea, compelling Italy and NATO to maintain constant supervision of these waters.
