Italian authorities uncovered a network of suspected Russian spies collecting classified information about air-defense systems supplied to Ukraine, Defense News reports.
According to investigators, former Italian intelligence officer Gavino Piras received money from Mikhail Astakhov, the military attaché at the Russian Embassy who is believed to be a GRU officer, and recruited informants from within the Italian armed forces. Investigators say €4,000 was paid for each package of information provided.
According to the investigation, the Russian side was interested in the characteristics of the SAMP/T air-defense system, MBDA CAMM-ER missiles, and the Michelangelo Dome air-defense system developed by Leonardo. According to the outlet, testing of the latter in Ukraine is scheduled for November.
Other information allegedly requested by the Russian side included data on military aid to Ukraine, European defense programs, Storm Shadow missile procurement, rearmament plans for Italy, the EU, and NATO, as well as projects developed by the Italian company Avio.
Following the arrests, Italian authorities announced the expulsion of two Russian military attachés, including Mikhail Astakhov. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Moscow continues to use hybrid-warfare methods against Western countries.
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