Two former intelligence officials arrested for spying for Russia

Two former member of Italy's

intelligence services were arrested in Rome on Tuesday by the

Carabinieri police for allegedly spying for Russia.

Sources said the arrests were the result of a counter-espionage

operation by domestic intelligence agency AISI which last year

revealed that Moscow had managed to recruit a former Italian

agent who was being paid to obtain classified information on

production in the defence sector.

One of the two suspects left the service in 2012, the other in

2013, the sources said.

They said one of them is a 59-year-old ex member of the

Carabinieri who allegedly spied in exchange for money for a

suspected member of the Russian intelligence services who has

diplomatic immunity in Italy.

He is accused of espionage and illegal access of IT systems.

He allegedly obtained information from six sources, including

four military personnel who are still in service.

The four are among five people who are under investigation in

addition to the two suspects to have been arrested.

The suspects were monitored, including digitally, and tailed

during the investigation that led to the arrests.

"There can be no tolerance toward those who compromise or

endanger the security of the Republic, especially when

individuals in positions of responsibility are involved," said

Defence Minister Guido Crosetto in a message congratulating

investigators on the operation.

"The protection of national security, of classified information,

and of the institutions is a primary interest of the State and

there can be no form of compromise".

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