Russian Espionage Efforts in Italy Uncovered
In a significant development reported from Rome, Italian authorities have unraveled a supposed spy network, revealing that Russia has been probing into the Western air defense systems being provided to Ukraine. This disclosure came after an investigation into an espionage group operating within the city.
Detailed surveillance including video recordings and wiretaps of a presumed Russian military intelligence operative in Italy captured him interrogating a suspected local informant. The discussions centered on advanced air defense systems such as the Samp-T from Europe, already supplied to Kyiv, and the Michelangelo Dome, a system engineered by Italian defense giant Leonardo, scheduled for deployment tests in Ukraine come November.
The individual suspected of espionage is believed to be associated with the GRU, Russia’s military intelligence agency. He was observed meeting Gavino Piras, 59, a former operative of Italy’s secret service. Piras, alongside another ex-official from Italian intelligence, was apprehended earlier this week.
Authorities claim that Piras utilized funds provided by the Russian official, identified as Mikhail Astakov, to enlist informers within the Italian military. These informers allegedly relayed confidential data back to Astakov. Currently, five purported informants are under scrutiny.
According to documents from the court viewed by Defense News, Astakov, who worked as a military attaché at the Russian embassy in Rome, allegedly received detailed lists of information requests from his superiors during clandestine meetings. Information was reportedly exchanged via microSD cards hidden within a crevice in a wall for Astakov to collect later.
Investigators noted that Astakov compensated €4,000 (about $4,600) in cash for each batch of information retrieved. “All that I can give you, I will give you, tell your boss that,” Piras reportedly assured Astakov during their exchanges.
The intercepted communications reveal a clear intent by Russia to ascertain the extent of European military aid to Ukraine, particularly concerning defense against Russian missile and drone strikes.
Piras is documented discussing the European Samp-T air defense system, provided by Italy and France to Ukraine, and also addressing inquiries regarding the MBDA CAMM-ER air defense missile, which Ukraine is considering assembling.
Astakov’s inquiries extended to Leonardo’s forthcoming Michelangelo Dome, an air-defense solution designed for enhanced interoperability among partner nations’ existing military assets. Leonardo’s executives have confirmed that the system will undergo trials in Ukraine in November.
A particular note from September 2025 sought information on a range of issues including the effectiveness of strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, Italy’s acquisition plans for Storm Shadow missiles, and broader European, NATO, and Italian rearmament strategies. The note also pressed for insights into European support for Ukraine in developing long-range missiles.
The Russian’s curiosity further included specifics about a sub-sea drone Leonardo is testing in La Spezia, Italy. Court transcripts reveal Piras informing the Russian that British intelligence, rather than Italian, was aiding Ukraine with long-range strikes against Russian oil infrastructure.
Piras also suggested that Italian experts were analyzing the Russian T90 tank, particularly puzzled by the autonomous operation of its mounted machine gun. “They don’t understand how the machine gun mounted on it works autonomously. If they manage to steal the secret they will, so be careful,” he advised Astakov.
In April 2025, Astakov showed interest in Avio, an Italian propulsion company, shortly after it partnered with the US Army to supply solid rocket motors for missiles.
Following his arrest, Piras’ attorney refuted allegations that his client had handed over any classified information to Russia.
On Thursday, in light of these revelations, the Italian government decided to expel two Russian military attaches from the Russian embassy, including Astakov. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani condemned these actions, labeling them as “serious and unacceptable interference” in Italy’s domestic affairs and a threat to national security, underscoring the ongoing hybrid warfare tactics employed by Moscow against the West and Italy.
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Jamal Peterson reports on defense, aerospace, and tech policy. With a military background and a strategic mind, he dissects complex subjects with clarity, offering readers sharp, reliable insights.
