Austria expels four Russian diplomats over espionage suspicions, citing security data; Profil says three were on a list of 21 suspected intelligence links

Austria’s Foreign Ministry has declared four Russian diplomats persona non grata and ordered them to leave the country, saying they engaged in activities incompatible with their status. The decision was based on national security data, the ministry said.

Three of the four worked at the Russian embassy in Vienna and the other was part of Russia’s delegation to the OSCE, Profil reported. The outlet also reported that three were among 21 people Austrian authorities suspected of having links to Russian intelligence.

In mid-August, Austria’s Defense Ministry emailed military personnel and reservists warning them about possible attempts to make contact by alleged Russian agents.