Italy Arrests Former Intelligence Officer in Alleged Russian Espionage Case

According to a report by Reuters on Tuesday evening, Italian security authorities have arrested two individuals, including a former intelligence officer, on suspicion of passing classified information to a Russian agent.

The Rome Public Prosecutor's Office identified the main suspect as a 59-year-old former officer in the Carabinieri, Italy's military police force, which works closely with the country's intelligence community. He faces charges including the unauthorized disclosure of classified information and illegally providing access to protected IT and communications systems.

Investigators allege that the former officer accepted money in exchange for supplying sensitive information to a Russian intelligence operative. The information was reportedly obtained through his contacts, including four members of the Italian armed forces. The second person arrested is an Italian citizen.

The Russian intelligence officer allegedly involved in the case is protected by diplomatic immunity in Italy. Russia's embassy in Rome did not immediately comment on the allegations.

Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said the investigation had exposed Russia's true approach toward Italy. Italy has provided both military and civilian assistance to Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022.

This is the second major case in recent years involving Italians accused of assisting Russian intelligence. In 2021, Italian Navy Captain Walter Biot was arrested after being caught handing classified documents to an employee of the Russian embassy in a parking lot in Rome. He was later sentenced to 30 years in prison.