A former Italian Carabinieri officer and another individual were arrested for allegedly passing classified information to a Russian agent, with prosecutors describing transfers of protected material and unauthorized access to IT and telecoms systems.

The detainee is suspected of espionage and unauthorized access to information systems, having reportedly received information from six sources, including four active-duty military personnel who are also under investigation.

Investigations indicate all seven individuals carried out espionage for money on behalf of a Russian intelligence agent who enjoys diplomatic immunity in Italy.

Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said there can be no tolerance for national security breaches by people in positions of responsibility and pledged further action to safeguard state integrity.

The case unfolds in a NATO context, as upcoming meetings in Ankara focus on defense spending, industrial capacity, and resilience to Russian pressure, underscoring the need to protect classified information and defense supply chains.

Authorities conducted physical and digital searches, uncovering €20,000 in cash during the case.

The investigation identified six sources of information and continues to probe related individuals and activities.

Italian officials assert ongoing cooperation with the United States and reject claims of insufficient participation in joint security efforts.

The article notes sources and external links, grounding the narrative in ANSA and regional outlets while centering on the espionage arrest and ongoing investigations.

Authorities carried out surveillance, tailing, searches, and forensic work, with arrests carried out by Rome’s ROS and GIS units, and parallel proceedings in ordinary and military prosecutors’ offices.

The ROS launched the inquiry in May 2025 through observation, control, shadowing, searches, and computer forensics, leading to current arrests.

Investigators included digital monitoring and physical tailing as part of the operation that culminated in arrests.