Austria: Four Russian diplomats received a one-way ticket

"Based on the findings of the Austrian security services, the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has taken action against four Russian diplomats in Vienna," the statement said.

According to the ministry, three diplomats were employed at the Russian embassy in Vienna. The fourth belonged to the Russian mission to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), where he dealt with military cooperation and arms control.

More than 100 Russian diplomats remain accredited at the Russian embassy in Vienna, as well as in the delegations to the UN and OSCE.

Russian espionage in Austria

The described case is not the first conflict between Vienna and Moscow.

In May, we reported that Austria was expelling three Russian diplomats suspected of espionage activities. The reason for the decision was the discovery of the so-called a forest of antennas on the premises of the Russian embassy in Vienna, which - according to the authorities - was used to illegally obtain data.

In March last year Austrian investigators dismantled a group working for the Russian secret services, dealing with espionage and disinformation. The Austrian Directorate for State Protection and Intelligence said its goal was to manipulate Austrian public and political opinion to the detriment of Ukraine and the benefit of Russia.

For years, Austria has been considered one of the main centers of intelligence activities in Europe - the British "The Guardian" once wrote. It is estimated that out of approximately 17 thousand up to 7,000 diplomats accredited in Vienna. may have links with intelligence activities.