Austria expelled three staff members of the Russian Embassy in Vienna over suspected espionage activities, officials said on Monday [1]. The expulsions followed an investigation into alleged surveillance infrastructure on rooftops of Russian diplomatic buildings, reportedly used to intercept satellite communications of international organizations [1].
Austrian authorities suspect the three individuals of intelligence activities connected to the rooftop installations [1]. Vienna requested that their diplomatic immunity be lifted to allow legal proceedings, but Moscow did not respond within the deadline, leading to their expulsion as persona non grata [1].
Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger said the government was taking a "decisive stance" against espionage and emphasized that "it is unacceptable that diplomatic immunity is used to conduct espionage" [1]. The expelled officials have now left Austria [1].
Since 2022, Austria has expelled a total of 14 Russian diplomatic staff, while around 220 Russian personnel remain officially accredited across missions in the country [1]. The investigation and expulsions underline ongoing concerns about intelligence activities linked to the Russian diplomatic presence in Vienna.
The expulsions were first reported by Anadolu Agency on May 4. Earlier this week, Austrian broadcaster ORF said the inquiry focused on surveillance equipment on Russian diplomatic rooftops in Vienna [1].
