Italian police arrest two in Rome over spying for Russia, ex-intelligence officer among suspects
Carabinieri ROS detained a 59-year-old former intelligence official and another suspect on 7 July, alleging they sold state secrets to a Russian agent with diplomatic cover.
The arrests
On the morning of 7 July 2026, Carabinieri from the ROS special operations group, assisted by the GIS and Rome provincial command, executed two precautionary custody orders in Rome. The warrants, issued by a Rome judge at the request of the ordinary prosecutor's office, targeted a 59‑year‑old former member of Italian intelligence services and former Carabinieri non‑commissioned officer, along with a second individual whose details were not disclosed. Both are accused of espionage and unauthorized access to computer systems.
The spy operation
The primary suspect is alleged to have acted as the sole interlocutor for a presumed Russian intelligence agent who enjoyed diplomatic immunity in Italy. Meeting the agent several times, the 59‑year‑old allegedly received specific requests and, in return for money, procured the information through a network of six sources. Four of those sources are serving military personnel occupying highly sensitive posts. All six are now under investigation for procuring information concerning state security, political or military espionage, revealing state secrets, and disclosing classified material.
The main suspect, sole interlocutor of the alleged Russian agent, obtained and transmitted information through six sources, among them four serving military personnel in highly sensitive roles.
The investigation
The ROS inquiry began in May 2025 and relied on wiretaps, technical intercepts, physical surveillance, and searches of homes and computers. It led to two parallel criminal proceedings, one before the ordinary court and another before the military court in Rome. In addition to the two arrested, five other persons are officially suspected, including the four military personnel. They face separate military charges of revealing military secrets for espionage purposes and procuring secret information for espionage. According to some reports, the information passed to Moscow included the names of Italian secret agents and Carabinieri ROS operatives, allegedly destined for Russia's GRU military intelligence.
Official reaction
Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto issued a strong statement, insisting there would be no leniency for those who compromise national security.
No tolerance can be admitted towards those who compromise or jeopardize the security of the Republic.
He later wrote on social media that Russia is engaged in a 'hybrid war' aimed at weakening Italy's institutions, alliances, and security.
