Two Former Intelligence Officers Arrested in Rome for Alleged Espionage
A former intelligence officer in Italy, aged 59 and referred to as an “ex-007” by local media, was arrested along with another ex-official on Tuesday. They are facing charges of spying for Russia and leaking classified information.
The retired agent, Gavino Raul Piras, is reported to have been part of the military police’s intelligence division, the carabinieri. Authorities in Rome accuse him of serving as a Russian spy and engaging in unauthorized access to classified computer systems.
The second individual arrested, also 59, is identified in reports as Vincenzo Di Pasquale, another former agent.
According to a report from Sky TG24, the investigation claims that Piras met with a supposed Russian agent operating in Italy under diplomatic immunity. This agent allegedly solicited sensitive information in exchange for significant sums of money.
Italian news sources indicate that Piras utilized a network of six individuals who had access to highly classified information to provide what was requested.
The ongoing investigation also involves five other suspects, four of whom are current military personnel in sensitive positions believed to have leaked classified data to the former agents.
Reports suggest that the alleged Russian intelligence officer enjoys diplomatic protections that shield him from judicial consequences in Italy. The arrests were made by the Carabinieri Special Operations Group (ROS), and searches of one suspect’s residence uncovered €20,000 in cash.
Further details from the Italian newspaper Il Fatto Quotidiano describe Piras as holding degrees in political science and international relations. He authored a work called “Information Capital Theory” and previously trained at NATO’s school in Oberammergau, Germany.
During his career, Piras reportedly took part in NATO’s “Unified Blade” counterintelligence and human intelligence training exercises conducted in Kaiserslautern, Germany, at the end of 2000.
Il Fatto Quotidiano noted that he had extensive experience researching espionage and counter-espionage techniques throughout his career, both in Italy and abroad.
This arrest is part of a broader investigation initiated by police in early 2025. The ROS inquiry is split into two separate criminal cases handled by both the Rome Prosecutor’s Office and the Rome Military Prosecutor’s Office.
The charges against the two men include espionage involving prohibited information, leaking confidential data, and unauthorized access to communication systems.
Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto commended the work of judiciary and investigative agencies leading to the arrests, emphasizing Italy’s “zero tolerance” policy towards threats to national security.
Crosetto’s statement highlighted the importance of safeguarding national security and classified information, calling any compromise unacceptable. He reaffirmed that the Defense Ministry will continue to work closely with judicial authorities to maintain institutional integrity and public trust.
