Austria expels 3 Russian embassy staff over suspected espionage

Three staff members of the Russian embassy in Vienna have been expelled over suspected espionage and have already left the country, reported Xinhua, quoting local media.

The expulsions followed investigations by Austrian authorities into alleged intelligence activities linked to antenna installations at Russian diplomatic premises in Vienna. The individuals were suspected of conducting espionage-related work in connection with the equipment.

Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger said that the government is taking a tougher stance against espionage and that diplomatic immunity must not be used for intelligence purposes.

Austria has expelled a total of 14 Russian diplomats since 2020, while more than 200 personnel remain accredited to Russian diplomatic missions in the country.