VIENNA – Austrian authorities have removed three Russian diplomatic officials from the country following the discovery of what officials described as an extensive network of antennas atop Russian diplomatic facilities that could facilitate intelligence gathering operations.
The government announced Monday that the three diplomats have been designated as unwelcome persons and have already departed Austria. Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger condemned the alleged activities in an official statement.
“It is unacceptable that diplomatic immunity be used to commit espionage,” Meinl-Reisinger declared when confirming the expulsions had taken place.
This latest diplomatic action increases the total number of Russian officials Austria has removed since 2020 to 14, highlighting ongoing tensions between the two nations over suspected intelligence operations.
