Italian ex-ambassador accused of running massive visa scheme for Russians
Photo: Former Italian ambassador detained over visa schemes for Russians (Getty Images)
Former Italian ambassador to Uzbekistan Piergabriele Papadia de Bottini di Sant’Agnese has been detained in Rome. He is suspected of organizing a large-scale corruption scheme involving the sale of Schengen visas to Russian citizens, according to TVP World.
Read also: Russians traveling to Europe in large numbers: Dispute erupts in EU over visas
Details of the corruption scheme
According to the report, investigators found that Papadia abused his position at the embassy in Tashkent while serving as ambassador from late 2024 to 2025.
Prosecutors believe he acted in collusion with an Italian citizen of Russian origin. Together, they allegedly arranged long-term visas for at least 95 Russians.
The price of the “service” reportedly ranged from €4,000 to €16,000 per visa, while the official fee is only €45–60. Most applicants allegedly never visited the embassy and did not meet the requirements of the Schengen Agreement.
“Files related to visa approvals obtained during the inspection mission revealed clear violations directly linked to mission chief Papadia,” Italian investigators said.
Investigation and assets
The large-scale violations were uncovered during an inspection by Italy’s Foreign Ministry in July 2025. Investigators found that 81 out of 92 reviewed visa cases contained no records proving the applicants had physically appeared at the embassy.
Law enforcement authorities are also examining the former diplomat’s assets, estimated at €3 million.
Papadia claims the money came from an inheritance. He is accused of corruption and facilitating illegal immigration.
Piergabriele Papadia de Bottini di Sant’Agnese was dismissed from diplomatic service in December 2025 amid an internal investigation.
He previously worked at the Italian consulate in Moscow, where investigators believe he established ties with his alleged accomplice before carrying out the scheme in Tashkent.
Russians are increasingly traveling to Europe
Disputes have intensified within the European Union over the growing number of Schengen visas issued to Russian citizens despite Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine. Several EU member states are calling for a review of visa policy toward the aggressor state.
Estonia, in particular, is demanding a permanent Schengen ban for Russian soldiers involved in combat operations in Ukraine. Tallinn is currently trying to convince the entire European Union to support the measure.
EU ambassadors have also approved a mechanism for the simplified suspension of visa liberalization with third countries. The tool is seen as a possible step toward tighter control of migration flows amid growing security threats.
More details on which EU countries have issued the highest number of visas to Russians recently can be found in the RBC-Ukraine report.
