Russian espionage in the Austrian energy sector, Vienna, September 20 — Austrian oil-and-gas-chemicals group OMV has terminated one of its senior executives amid allegations of spying for Russia. A Russian diplomat was summoned to the Austrian Foreign Ministry in connection with the affair. Reuters
Profil magazine reports that the OMV employee met with a Russian diplomat suspected by Western intelligence of links to the FSB. Austria’s Directorate of State Security had monitored the executive for several months. RBC Ukraine
OMV confirmed immediate termination of the contract and full cooperation with authorities, noting: “For data-protection reasons we cannot comment further.”
The dismissed executive had been seconded to ADNOC in the UAE—OMV’s strategic partner in a ~$60 billion chemicals deal—and allegedly shared information about both companies with the Russian diplomat. Reuters
What Was Found
- The OMV executive is accused of transmitting insider information to a Russian diplomat.
- The Russian diplomat was asked to waive immunity, otherwise to be declared persona non grata.
- The case intersects with a major OMV-ADNOC transaction of strategic importance.
Austria’s energy sector targeted by Russian espionage
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Company | OMV |
| Executive Dismissed | 1 person (senior manager) |
| Allegations | Spying for Russia, passing insider information |
| Involved Parties | Russian diplomat, OMV, ADNOC |
| Deal Value | ~$60 billion |
| Case Status | Investigation ongoing |
Spy scandal in Austria’s energy sector: Russia under suspicion
Failing to respond to such legal breaches could result in serious outcomes: jeopardised national security, leakage of strategic data, erosion of trust in key corporations. Lack of enforcement invites further foreign intelligence penetration and corrupt practices.