Another member of the Russian spy network has been identified in Austria. The individual in question is a 48-year-old Bulgarian citizen, T.D., who has been living in Vienna for over ten years. She is currently under investigation on suspicion of collaborating with Russian intelligence services. In December, Austrian prosecutors detained T.D. and searched her residence. (Source: BNR)
During interrogation, she admitted to being part of a group operating out of London that carried out missions for Russian intelligence and engaged in espionage activities in the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Austria, and Montenegro. She was recruited through contact with Vanya Gaberova, who convinced her that she was participating in an Interpol operation. T.D.’s tasks included surveilling specific individuals, recording their daily routines, studying their habits, and photographing residences, for which she received financial compensation. Among those she monitored in Vienna were the head of the Austrian secret services, the editor of the magazine Profil, the leader of the conservative party, and a former senior police officer.
The Austrian government plans to strengthen its espionage laws to ensure that any espionage activities conducted on Austrian territory are punishable, regardless of their target. Austria’s Minister of Justice, Alma Zadić, emphasized the need to close “loopholes” in the legislation and ensure proper punishment for any form of espionage in the country.
It is worth noting that the UK’s Crown Prosecution Service recently announced charges against five Bulgarian nationals for espionage on behalf of Russia.
