Italian law enforcement agencies have dismantled an alleged espionage network linked to Russian intelligence services, according to the investigative outlet Decode39.
The case, concluded in Milan, resulted in the conviction of two local businessmen on charges of working for Russian intelligence. The investigation revealed what authorities describe as part of a broader covert network operating on Italian territory.
According to investigators, the two men — both real estate entrepreneurs in their sixties — provided logistical support to Russian operatives. This included arranging a network of safe apartments used for intelligence personnel during their stay in the city.
They are also accused of installing surveillance equipment in Milan taxis, enabling covert video recording intended to collect visual data on daily life in the city.
Experts cited in the investigation say the operation was not limited to isolated intelligence gathering, but aimed at building long-term operational infrastructure for Russian intelligence activity abroad.
The case underscores concerns among European security officials about the use of civilian infrastructure in EU countries for covert intelligence operations.
Analysts also note that Italy has increasingly been viewed by Moscow as a strategically important environment, particularly following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which has intensified scrutiny of foreign intelligence activity across Europe.
