An arrest warrant for an Austrian suspect alleges that he handed over cellphone information of former high-ranking officers to Russian intelligence.
Austria is dealing with its greatest espionage scandal in a long time because the arrest of a former intelligence officer brings to gentle proof of in depth Russian infiltration.
The suspect in query is Egisto Ott, who was arrested March 29. The 86-page warrant for his arrest, which was obtained by the Related Press, alleges amongst different issues that he handed over cell phone information of former high-ranking Austrian officers to Russian intelligence, helped plot a housebreaking at a outstanding journalist’s residence, and wrote up “ideas for enchancment” after a Russian-ordered killing in Germany.
Ott can be suspected of getting supplied delicate info to Jan Marsalek, a fugitive fellow Austrian wished on suspicion of fraud because the collapse in 2020 of German cost firm Wirecard, the place he was the chief working officer.
The warrant says chat messages supplied by British authorities hyperlink Marsalek on to the Russian intelligence company FSB.
German and Austrian media have reported that Marsalek is believed to have had connections to Russian intelligence since no less than 2014. He’s now regarded as in Russia.
Thomas Riegler, a historian and espionage professional affiliated with the Austrian Centre for Intelligence, Propaganda and Safety Research, stated the case has the potential to be “one of many greatest espionage tales in current Austrian historical past”.
“The case is particular given its worldwide dimension and the truth that it’s not solely about espionage but in addition in regards to the infiltration of the Austrian political system and the weakening of the nation’s inside safety,” he stated.
Austria, which was situated subsequent to the Iron Curtain through the Chilly Conflict and lengthy had good connections with Moscow, is an EU member with a coverage of army neutrality – and a longstanding status as an espionage hotspot.
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer has convened a gathering of the Nationwide Safety Council for Tuesday. He says the nation wants to spice up its safety to thwart Russian infiltration.
Nehammer’s justice minister stated she plans to tighten the nation’s espionage legal guidelines. As issues stand, spying is explicitly banned if directed in opposition to Austria itself, however not if it targets different nations or the various worldwide organisations Vienna hosts.
