Italy infiltrated: Russian spies exploit local maps and drones
Russia is conducting intensive espionage activities against Italy, utilizing submarines and drones. It has come to light that Italian entrepreneurs themselves supplied the Russians with maps of areas free from surveillance, receiving payment in cryptocurrency. "Il Messaggero" unveils the details of this "shadow war."
What you need to know
- Russia is waging a "shadow war" against Italy, using submarines, frigates, and merchant ships to conduct surveillance from both air and sea.
- A Russian-made drone flew five times over the EU research center in Ispra, sparking suspicions of espionage and prompting the Milan prosecutor's office to launch an investigation.
- Italian entrepreneurs provided Russians with maps of zones lacking surveillance cameras, and they were compensated with cryptocurrency.
Did Italian entrepreneurs "sell" security?
In November last year, an investigation was initiated against two entrepreneurs from Lombardy who furnished the Russians with maps of areas in Rome and Milan where surveillance cameras are absent.
The maps highlighted state buildings and military facilities. The entrepreneurs received compensation in cryptocurrency.
"Il Messaggero" reports that since then, Russia has intensified its espionage activities in Italy, corroborated by numerous signals from various sources. Recently, a foreign drone was observed flying over the EU research center in Ispra. The Italian prosecutor for counter-terrorism initiated proceedings in this matter.
Russians are spying on Italians
Russian espionage activities have significant implications for Italy. Pro-Russian hackers have repeatedly attacked websites of Italian ministries and strategic enterprises.
"Il Messaggero" emphasizes that Italy is under constant scrutiny from Russia. It also notes the presence of the Russian submarine "Krasnodar" between Algeria and Sardinia, which has caused alarm.
In December 2022, the Russian ship "Academic Pashin" docked in the Strait of Otranto. In response, Italy deployed aircraft from bases in Sicily and Sardinia to track the ship's movement.
The Russian navy is active in the Mediterranean Sea, requiring Italy and NATO to maintain vigilant oversight of these waters.
