Austrian spy probe uncovers Russian disinformation campaign

By Marton Eder

Austrian intelligence officers investigating a Bulgarian for alleged espionage have uncovered a Russian disinformation campaign aimed at damaging Ukraine.

The suspected spy allegedly led a large-scale effort in Austria and Germany to disseminate what looked like pro-Ukrainian messaging but with the use of nationalist and right-extremist language, seeking to create distrust in Kyiv’s leadership, the Interior Ministry in Vienna said in a statement Monday. The Bulgarian served as an intelligence contact for Russian operatives and received campaign materials.

The suspect has admitted working for the spy cell, primarily in 2022, according to the ministry. Data on the scheme was discovered in a home search in December.

A militarily neutral member of the European Union, Austria is home to several major international organizations and hosts outsize diplomatic missions that are often used as cover for espionage activity. It has long been considered one of the hubs for spy activity in Europe.

The far-right Freedom Party won the most votes at federal elections in Austria last year, in part by campaigning with a pledge to end support for Ukraine and to improve ties with Russia. Its leader, Herbert Kickl, was blocked from power by a three-way coalition that includes the conservatives, social democrats and liberals.

Authorities have been probing ties between Jan Marsalek, a fugitive former senior executive of the defunct Wirecard payment firm, and members of Austria’s intelligence agencies, in part related to a raid on spy agencies when Kickl was Interior Minister in 2018.