Italian ex-intelligence officer accused of passing Ukraine air defense data to Moscow
European air defense system Samp-T (photo: mil_in_ua)
Italian prosecutors have uncovered an espionage network that gathered intelligence on Western air defense systems supplied to Ukraine on behalf of Russia's military intelligence agency, Defense News reports.
What Moscow sought to know
Investigators found that Russians were specifically seeking information about air defense systems Western countries have provided to Ukraine to protect against Russian missile and drone attacks.
The intelligence requests included:
- The European Samp-T air defense system supplied to Ukraine by Italy and France.
- The MBDA CAMM-ER surface-to-air missile system, which Ukraine is currently discussing assembling domestically.
- Leonardo's Michelangelo Dome, an open-architecture air defense system scheduled for testing in Ukraine in November.
- Italy's plans to acquire Storm Shadow missiles.
- Rearmament programs in Italy, the European Union, and NATO.
- Western assistance to Ukraine in developing long-range missiles.
The Russian handler also sought information about Leonardo's underwater drone, which is being tested in the Italian city of La Spezia, as well as assessments of strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Operation of network
The main suspect is 59-year-old Gavino Piras, a former officer with the Italian intelligence services.
According to investigators, Piras was handled by Mikhail Astakov, a Russian military attaché in Rome, whom prosecutors identify as a main intelligence service officer.
During clandestine meetings, Astakov allegedly handed Piras lists of intelligence requirements from his superiors and collected microSD cards containing information, hidden in a wall opening.
For each batch of information, the Russian officer allegedly paid Piras €4,000 (about $4,600) in cash.
"All that I can give you, I will give you, tell your boss that," Piras told Astakov, according to court documents.
Investigators believe Piras used the money he received from Astakov to recruit informants within the Italian military. Authorities are now investigating five additional suspected sources.
What was leaked to Russia
Based on transcripts of intercepted conversations, Piras told his handler that British intelligence—not Italian intelligence—was assisting Ukraine with long-range strikes on Russian oil facilities.
He also revealed that Italian experts were studying captured Russian T-90 tanks.
"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," Piras warned Astakov.
In April 2025, Astakov also requested information about the Italian company Avio, which manufactures rocket engines. The request came several months after the company began working with the US military to supply solid-fuel rocket motors.
Response by Italy
Following Piras' arrest, his lawyer denied that his client had passed any classified information to Russia.
The Italian government announced the expulsion of two Russian military attachés from the embassy in Rome, including Astakov.
"Moscow continues to use hybrid warfare to attack the West and Italy. This is serious and unacceptable interference in Italian institutions and national security," Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said.
Earlier, Italy announced the expulsion of two Russian military attachés over their alleged involvement in espionage activities.
Similar cases have also emerged elsewhere in Europe. In Berlin, German prosecutors arrested a Kazakh citizen accused of passing information about military aid to Ukraine to Russia.
