Three Russian diplomats expelled from Austria over spying accusations

Austria has expelled three Russian diplomats, citing accusations of espionage. Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger stated that the diplomats utilized a "forest of antennas" on Russian diplomatic buildings in Vienna to gather intelligence. These antennas, located on the embassy and a diplomatic compound, allegedly enabled Russia to intercept satellite internet data from various organizations. Austria's intelligence services have reportedly viewed these antennas as a concern for some time. The Russian embassy has condemned the expulsion as unjustified and politically motivated, vowing a harsh response. The diplomats have already departed Austria.

Austria has expelled three Russian embassy staff from Vienna, citing suspicions of espionage. The Austrian Foreign Minister stated that a "forest of antennae" on the Russian mission was being used for illicit data collection, specifically siphoning off data from international organizations. This action, which brings the total number of Russian diplomats expelled by Austria since 2020 to 14, is part of a new government course to address espionage issues. The Russian embassy in Vienna condemned the expulsions as "outrageous" and "politically motivated," vowing retaliation. Vienna, a hub for international organizations, has long been a center for espionage, partly due to a loophole in Austrian law.

Austria has expelled three Russian diplomats, declaring them persona non grata due to suspected signals spying. The Austrian government stated that an "antenna forest" on the roofs of Russian diplomatic buildings in Vienna, particularly a residential complex, could be used to intercept satellite communications. This action, announced on Monday, follows years of warnings from Austria's domestic intelligence service. Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger emphasized that diplomatic immunity should not be used for espionage. These expulsions bring the total number of Russian diplomats expelled by Austria since 2020 to fourteen.