Austria expels four Russian diplomats suspected of espionage

Austria has expelled four Russian diplomats from Vienna following findings by Austrian security authorities, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The diplomats were declared persona non grata and ordered to leave the country.

Three of those targeted worked at the Russian Embassy in Austria, while the fourth was part of the Russian delegation for military security and arms control to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).

With this decision, the number of Russian diplomats expelled by Austria since 2020 has reached 18. Vienna’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided no details about the alleged activities behind the measure, but the decision comes amid concerns over espionage activities conducted under diplomatic cover.

In May, Austria expelled three other Russian diplomats. At the time, the authorities pointed to the large number of antennas installed on Russian diplomatic buildings, saying they could be used for intelligence operations.

Vienna hosts the OSCE headquarters, as well as several United Nations organizations, including the International Atomic Energy Agency. Due to its numerous diplomatic missions, the Austrian capital has long had a reputation as a major international center for espionage.