A spy ring working for Russia has been uncovered in Italy
Five active military personnel are under investigation.
Italian law enforcement agencies have detained 59-year-old former intelligence officer Gavino Piras and another former agent on suspicion of transmitting classified information to Russia. Five active military personnel are also under investigation as part of the investigation.
According to prosecutors, Piras maintained contact with Mikhail Astakova, whom Italian authorities believe to be an employee of the Russian Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) working under diplomatic cover at the Russian Embassy in Rome. Due to diplomatic immunity, he cannot be prosecuted in Italy.
Investigators allege that the suspects used methods typical of the Cold War. They used notes on scraps of paper, hiding places in walls, and a mobile phone hidden in a microwave oven to transmit information. According to the case file, Piras received cash envelopes of 4,000 euros for classified information, but considered this remuneration insufficient and demanded higher payments.
The arrest warrant states that the former intelligence officer gained access to a file called “MI6 List 1,” containing the details of dozens of British intelligence officers. Investigators also allege that he collected information on arms deliveries to Ukraine, including SAMP/T air defense systems, Camm-ER missiles, Storm Shadow cruise missiles, unmanned boats, and information on Russian T-90 tanks.
Furthermore, Piras allegedly warned his Russian handlers about the risk of exposing their agent in Matera and claimed that British, not Italian, intelligence was coordinating long-range strikes against Russian oil refineries.
Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto called the investigation only “the tip of the iceberg,” stating that the case demonstrates the scale of Russia’s hybrid activities against NATO countries.