Austrian ex-agent to go on trial in Russia spying caseVIENNA, Jan 22, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - A former Austrian intelligence official is due to go on trial Thursday, charged with allegedly handing over sensitive devices and selling secret information to Russia for years. Through his actions, Ott risked inflicting "serious damage" on Austria's reputation among friendly intelligence services, according to the indictment seen by AFP. Austria long saw itself as a bridge between Moscow and the West, but in recent years the EU member country has been rocked by several cases centred on suspected spying for Russia. Ott was suspended from his post at Austria's intelligence services in 2017 amid allegations of spying and briefly arrested in 2021 on these accusations. In 2024, Ott stood trial on violating official secrecy for allegedly passing information to a far-right politician.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha January 22, 2026 07:45 UTC