Austria has expelled three staff members from the Russian embassy in Vienna over suspected espionage, citing concerns about a large array of antennas at the diplomatic compound allegedly used for illicit data collection.
Foreign minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger said the move sends a clear message that diplomatic immunity cannot be used as cover for spying. The three individuals have already left the country, bringing the total number of Russian diplomats expelled by Austria since 2020 to 14.
According to reports, including from ORF, the antenna installations may have been used to intercept satellite communications, potentially targeting data linked to international organizations based in Vienna.
Vienna has long been considered a centre for international espionage, partly because it hosts major institutions such as the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, the International Atomic Energy Agency, and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. With roughly 17,000 accredited diplomats in the city, thousands are believed to be intelligence operatives.
Austria’s government has acknowledged that legal gaps have contributed to the problem. Under current law, espionage is not necessarily illegal unless it directly targets Austrian interests, a loophole that has made the country attractive for foreign intelligence activity. Officials now say they intend to tighten these rules and take a more assertive stance.
Russia has condemned the expulsions as unjustified and politically motivated, warning that it will respond with retaliatory measures.
