Russian espionage targets Italy: Submarines, drones, and crypto
Russia is engaging in extensive espionage activities targeting Italy, utilizing submarines and drones. Italian entrepreneurs have reportedly supplied Russians with maps indicating areas without surveillance cameras, receiving payments in cryptocurrency for their services. "Il Messaggero" highlights the intricacies of this "shadow war."
What do you need to know?
- Russia is conducting a "shadow war" against Italy, employing submarines, frigates, and merchant ships for both aerial and maritime espionage.
- A Russian-made drone flew over the EU research center in Ispra five times, raising espionage suspicions and prompting the Milan prosecutor's office to initiate an investigation.
- Italian entrepreneurs provided Russians with maps of zones without surveillance cameras, receiving cryptocurrency as payment.
Did Italian entrepreneurs "sell" security?
In November last year, authorities launched an investigation targeting two entrepreneurs from Lombardy who provided Russians with maps of zones in Rome and Milan lacking surveillance cameras.
The maps included locations of state buildings and military sites, and the entrepreneurs were compensated in cryptocurrency.
"Il Messaggero" reports that since then, Russia has ramped up its espionage efforts in Italy, noted by numerous indicators from diverse sources. Recently, for instance, a foreign drone was spotted flying over the EU research center in Ispra. Italy's counter-terrorism prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation into this situation.
Russians spying on Italians
Russian espionage poses significant consequences for Italy. Pro-Russian hackers have launched multiple attacks on websites belonging to Italian ministries and strategic businesses.
"Il Messaggero" stresses that Russia is keeping Italy under constant surveillance. The article 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" entered the Strait of Otranto. Consequently, Italy deployed aircraft from bases in Sicily and Sardinia to track the vessel's actions.
The Russian fleet's activities in the Mediterranean Sea compel Italy and NATO to sustain vigilant oversight over these waters.
