Austria has expelled three diplomats from the Russian Embassy over concerns that satellite installations on diplomatic buildings could be used for espionage.
"It is unacceptable that diplomatic immunity be used to commit espionage," Beate Meinl-Reisinger, Austria's Federal Minister for European and International Affairs, said in a statement on Monday. She confirmed that the three diplomats had already left the country.
Numerous satellite dishes have been placed on buildings used by the Russian state in the capital, Vienna, particularly at a residential complex for diplomatic staff. Austria's domestic intelligence services have for years warned they could be used to intercept satellite communications from other states.
"Espionage is a security problem for Austria. In this government, we have initiated a change of course and are taking consistent action against it," Meinl-Reisinger added.
Russia described the expulsions as "justified by nothing" and said it would respond harshly.
Vienna’s large diplomatic presence has long provided opportunities for intelligence agents to operate under diplomatic cover, benefiting from immunity.
The expulsions bring to 14 the number of Russian diplomats expelled by Austria since 2020.
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