Investigators of the Department of State Security and Intelligence (DSN) have exposed a large-scale Russian disinformation network in Austria. A Bulgarian citizen confessed to spying for Russia and admitted her key role in organizing the disinformation operation. About this informs Austrian Ministry of the Interior.
As DSN established, it was possible to obtain information about Moscow’s espionage activities during the analysis of digital media seized during a search of the suspect in December last year. The investigation showed that the cell, which worked for Russian special services, became active shortly after the start of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine. Already at the beginning of 2022, the group developed a plan for a large disinformation campaign in German-speaking countries, focusing on Austria.
The main purpose of the operation was to provoke a negative attitude towards Ukraine and President Volodymyr Zelenskyi, to strengthen pro-Russian sentiments in society with the help of targeted information attacks. Both online tools and graffiti in public places were used for this. From the outside, the campaign was planned to look like the handiwork of supposedly pro-Ukrainian activists.
At the same time, spies deliberately used right-wing radical symbols and nationalist slogans, which caused a negative perception in society. Analysis of the seized data showed the carefully planned activities of the Russian-controlled cell, including recorded evidence in chats. The suspect served as an intelligence liaison and received shipments of information campaign materials.
The collected evidence shows that the Russian special services tasked her not only with organizing the distribution of materials in Austria, but also with participating in disinformation activities on the territory of Germany.
“Placing propaganda materials in symbolic places, such as memorials or monuments with a Jewish or Russian connection, aims to cast doubt on Ukraine’s democratic values. In this context, such disinformation and campaigns are a significant factor in Russia’s hybrid war.”, – added in DSN.
