Italy Expels Two Russian Embassy Officials After Major Espionage Investigation Uncovers Alleged Spy Network Threatening National Security

Italy has expelled two officials from the Russian Embassy after they were allegedly linked to a major espionage investigation, marking the latest deterioration in relations between Rome and Moscow. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced the decision after prosecutors uncovered what authorities described as a serious spy network involving a former Italian intelligence officer accused of passing classified information to a Russian intelligence operative.

The expulsions came just days after Italian authorities arrested two suspects, including a former member of Italy’s intelligence services, on allegations of espionage. According to prosecutors in Rome, the former intelligence official is accused of supplying classified government information to a Russian intelligence contact in exchange for money. Investigators said the alleged activities posed a threat to Italy’s national security and prompted swift diplomatic action against the Russian embassy officials believed to have been connected to the case.

Foreign Minister Tajani said the Italian government acted to protect the country’s security interests, describing the allegations as extremely serious. Although the Russian embassy officials have not been publicly charged with a crime, Italy declared them persona non grata—a diplomatic designation requiring them to leave the country. Russia had not immediately responded to the expulsions at the time of the announcement.

The latest incident is the newest chapter in a long history of espionage tensions between Italy and Russia. In 2021, Italy expelled two Russian diplomats after an Italian naval officer was caught allegedly selling confidential NATO and Italian military documents to a Russian embassy official. That case triggered one of the most significant diplomatic disputes between the two countries in recent years and led to reciprocal expulsions by Moscow. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, many European countries have expelled Russian diplomats over allegations that some were operating as intelligence officers under diplomatic cover.

The new expulsions also reflect the increasingly strained relationship between Russia and Western nations. European governments have intensified counterintelligence operations amid heightened concerns over espionage, cyber threats and foreign interference. Italy, a founding member of NATO and the European Union, has remained a strong supporter of Ukraine, making it an important focus in Europe’s broader security efforts.