Austrian authorities dismantle Russian disinformation network
Austrian security services have uncovered a spy group working for Russia, whose goal was to spread disinformation and manipulate public opinion.
The Austrian Directorate for State Security and Intelligence (DNS) reported a success in combating the Russian spy ring. A Bulgarian citizen was detained and admitted to charges of spying for Russia and conducting a disinformation campaign in Austria.
The investigation revealed that the group started operating a few weeks after the onset of the Russian aggression against Ukraine in February 2022. The aim was to manipulate public opinion in Austria and other German-speaking countries in favour of Russia. The activities included both online efforts and public actions, disseminating content suggesting links between the Ukrainian army and Nazi ideology.
Evidence of the suspect's key role in the operation was found during the search of her home in December last year. Based on chat messages exchanged via various communication platforms, detailed plans of the group's activities were discovered on her devices. The Bulgarian woman held a crucial role in the ring—she was the point of contact for Russian intelligence.
Reaction of Austrian authorities
The Secretary of State in the Austrian Ministry of the Interior, Joerg Leichtfried, emphasised the threat of disinformation to social cohesion and democracy.
Leichtfried warned that the circulation of false narratives erodes trust in institutions and emphasized the importance of Austrians forming their own opinions.
Traces of the group's activities lead to Jan Marsalek, a former Wirecard manager who directed Bulgarian agents after fleeing to Russia. Several members of this network were caught in the United Kingdom in 2023 and convicted of espionage. Activities in Austria were also part of that trial.
