Austria expels three Russian diplomats over signals spying
Expulsion of Russian Diplomats and Espionage Concerns in Vienna
VIENNA, May 4 (Reuters) - Austria declared three Russian diplomats personae non gratae over an "antenna forest" on the roofs of diplomatic buildings that could be used for spying, the government said on Monday.
Background on Surveillance Concerns
Numerous satellite dishes placed on buildings used by the Russian state in Vienna, particularly a residential complex for diplomatic staff, have long attracted the attention of Austria's main domestic intelligence service, which has warned for years they could be used to intercept other states' satellite communications.
Official Statements and Diplomatic Reactions
"It is unacceptable that diplomatic immunity be used to commit espionage," Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger said in a statement confirming that the three diplomats had already left the country. It brings to 14 the number of Russian diplomats Austria has expelled since 2020.
The Russian embassy in Vienna posted a statement on its website saying the expelled diplomats were from the embassy and Russia's mission to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and that Moscow would react harshly to Austria's decision, which was "justified by nothing".
Security Agency Perspective
Asked at a press conference why the installations posed a particular threat, Sylvia Mayer, head of the main domestic intelligence service, the Directorate for State Security and Intelligence, said only it had to do with their size and nature, and did not comment on the timing of the expulsions.
Vienna's Role as a Diplomatic and Espionage Hub
Vienna is a major diplomatic centre, hosting the OSCE and United Nations organisations such as the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Diplomatic Presence in Vienna
Larger countries like Russia and the United States often have separate ambassadors to Austria, the OSCE and U.N. organisations, each running an embassy or mission.
Historical Context of Espionage in Vienna
Vienna, which was divided into Allied sectors after World War Two, has long had a reputation as a den of spies. The large diplomatic presence offers the opportunity to station intelligence agents there under cover of diplomatic immunity.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Francois Murphy; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne, Aidan Lewis)
