Vienna authorities have unveiled a Russian-led campaign aimed at disseminating false information regarding Ukraine, following the arrest of a Bulgarian woman in December suspected of espionage for Russia. Austria’s internal intelligence agency discovered this operation while inspecting devices seized from the woman’s residence, according to a statement from the Interior Ministry.
In their investigation, it was revealed that shortly after Russia commenced its widespread invasion of Ukraine in 2022, a team allied with Russian intelligence was established to implement a comprehensive disinformation strategy, targeting German-speaking nations, including Austria. This faction operated not only online but also utilized other media, like stickers and graffiti inscribed with far-right emblems and nationalist rhetoric, making it seem as though pro-Ukrainian activists were responsible.
The Bulgarian suspect, whose identity is yet to be disclosed, allegedly played a pivotal role within this network, serving as an intelligence informant. The Interior Ministry reported that she confessed to collaborating with the cell, particularly throughout the year 2022.
Approximately a year ago, Austria encountered its most significant espionage scandal in recent history. This involved the detention of a former Austrian intelligence operative, accused of transferring cell phone information of ex-high-ranking Austrian officials to Russian intelligence and conspiring in a break-in at the residence of a distinguished journalist.
Though subsequently released, the ex-officer is thought to have shared classified information with Jan Marsalek, a former Austrian national who has been on the run due to suspected fraud linked to the 2020 downfall of the German financial firm Wirecard, where Marsalek held the position of chief operating officer. Investigative records revealed chat exchanges provided by British authorities that directly connect Marsalek to Russia’s FSB intelligence agency.