Two former Italian intelligence officers have been arrested in Rome on Tuesday, July 7th on suspicion of spying for Russia and leaking classified information to Moscow, in what prosecutors describe as a major espionage investigation.
The suspects, both aged 59, have been identified as Gavino Raoul Piras (a former member of the Carabinieri’s intelligence division) and former agent Vincenzo Di Pasquale.
The prosecutors stated that Piras is accused of obtaining classified information through a network of sources and passing it to a suspected Russian intelligence officer operating in Italy under diplomatic cover in exchange for money.
Investigators allege that six individuals with access to sensitive information supplied the material, including four active-duty military personnel serving in highly classified positions.
The Russian official allegedly involved cannot face prosecution in Italy due to diplomatic immunity.
During searches, investigators reportedly seized €20,000 in cash from one of the suspects’ homes.
The investigation, launched by the Carabinieri’s Special Operations Group (ROS) in May 2025, has resulted in parallel proceedings before civilian and military prosecutors in Rome.
The two former officers face charges including espionage, unlawful disclosure of classified information, and unauthorized access to protected computer systems.
Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto welcomed the arrests on Tuesday, saying there could be “no tolerance” for actions that endanger Italy’s national security. Later adding that the Defence Ministry would continue cooperating fully with judicial authorities.
The investigation remains ongoing as prosecutors seek to establish the full extent of the alleged espionage network.
